Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A 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) [...]

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

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

1/4/2007--Introduced.

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

Latest Action: 02/08/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide a new effective date for the applicability of certain provisions of law to Public Law 105-331.

2/8/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Revises the effective date for mandatory deposit in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts of any amount derived from proceeds of the surcharge on the sale of the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin, under the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin Act, which remains unpaid to a designated recipient organization solely by reason of a specified matching fund requirement.

Postpones the effective date of such requirement until July 1, 2007.

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

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

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Latest Action: 09/15/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Reid for Senator Biden with amendments. With written report No. 110-463.

Bill Text
To authorize the establishment of educational exchange and development programs for member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). 7/31/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Shirley Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Program under which scholars and secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries (excluding countries with observer status or that support international terrorism) would attend U.S. schools or universities, participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding of U.S. values and culture, and have the option to live with a U.S. host family. Sets forth program elements. Directs the Secretary to monitor the program's effectiveness. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary [...]

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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 Text
A 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdi

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

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations regarding the Do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

1/10/2007--Introduced.

Freedom from Automated Political Calls Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

Latest Action: 01/23/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish monetary prizes for achievements in overcoming scientific and technical barriers associated with hydrogen energy.

1/23/2007--Introduced.

H-Prize Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to award competitive cash prizes to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies.

Designates prize-eligible categories, including: (1) advancements in certain hydrogen components or systems; (2) prototypes of hydrogen-powered vehicles or other hydrogen-based products that meet or exceed certain performance criteria; and (3) transformational changes in technologies for hydrogen distribution or production that meet or exceed far-reaching criteria, including minimal carbon emissions, and which may include cost criteria designed to facilitate the eventual market success of a winning technology.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal for organ donors and the family of organ donors. 9/22/2008--Introduced. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008 - Makes any organ donor, or the family of any organ donor, eligible for a Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish an application procedure, determine eligibility, and arrange for the presentation of medals.Allows only one medal per family. Requires that such medal be presented to the donor or, in the case of a deceased donor, the family member who signed the consent form authorizing the organ donation.Authorizes the Network to collect funds to offset expenditures relating to the issuance of medals.Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medals using certain specifications.Provides [...]

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Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Received in the Senate.

Bill Text
To establish the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal for organ donors and the family of organ donors. 9/18/2008--Introduced. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008 - Makes any organ donor, or the family of any organ donor, eligible for a Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to establish an application procedure, determine eligibility, and arrange for the presentation of medals.Allows only one medal per family. Requires that such medal be presented to the donor or, in the case of a deceased donor, the family member who signed the consent form authorizing the organ donation.Authorizes the Network to collect funds to offset expenditures relating to the issuance of medals.Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medals using certain specifications.Provides [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Passed House 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.) Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations [...]

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Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing support for designation of April 16, 2008, as "National Golf Day".

4/16/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for the designation of a National Golf Day. Recognizes the recreational benefits of golf and its importance to the U.S. economy.

Commends the allied golf associations for their leadership in promoting the game, their efforts to make it accessible, and their support of charitable activities in the community.

Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7533-7534)

Bill Text
Recognizing the need to pursue research into the causes, a treatment, and an eventual cure for primary lateral sclerosis, supporting the goals and ideals of Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

7/30/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Recognizes the need to continue research into the causes, treatment, and a cure for primary lateral sclerosis.

Commends: (1) hospitals, community clinics, educational institutes, and other organizations that are working to increase awareness of, and conducting research for methods to help patients suffering from, the disorder; and (2) the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation for its efforts to educate, support, and provide hope for individuals who suffer from the disorder, while funding research to help find a cure.

Expresses support for the designation of a Primary Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month.

Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

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Commending the Northport American Legion Post 694 located in Northport, New York, for raising funds for the Marine and Army combat units fighting in the Middle East, enabling them to purchase needed equipment.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Commends: (1) Northport American Legion Post 694 in Northport, New York, for raising more than $75,000 to purchase needed equipment for Marine and Army units fighting in the Middle East; and (2) other American Legion Posts nationwide that have raised funds for similar purposes.

Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14790-14791)

Bill Text
A 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 [...]

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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 Text
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 in public [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise the regulations regarding the do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

12/5/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.

Defines politically-oriented recorded message telephone call.

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

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the postmarket authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - Title I: Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 102) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to include postmarket safety activities within the process for the review of human drug applications or supplements, including: (1) developing and using improved adverse event data collection systems and improved analytical tools to assess potential [...]

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