S.2917 Sponsored by John Cornyn
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria's threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically-elected government in Syria, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3451-3452; text as passed Senate: CR S3452)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the strong support of the Senate for the declaration of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the Bucharest Summit that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of the alliance.

4/28/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

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

Supports the declaration of the Bucharest Summit which stated that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Reiterates support for NATO's further enlargement to include democratic governments that are able and willing to meet membership responsibilities.

Urges NATO member states at their December 2008 meeting to consider favorably Ukraine's and Georgia's applications for Membership Action Plans.

Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - 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 Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Iraq, and the international community.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Expresses gratitude to the coalition forces and other international supporters for their contribution and sacrifice in the efforts to bring peace to Iraq.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1560-1561)

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 3/10/2008--Introduced. Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NSCA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise the programs under such Acts and reauthorize appropriations for such programs through FY2012. Revises under NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service (Learn and Serve programs); (2) National Service Trust programs (AmeriCorps); (3) the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Eliminates the current Community-Based Learn and Serve programs. Establishes a new Learn and Serve program, Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research, providing matching grants to: (1) provide community service-learning opportunities to elementary and [...]

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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 Text
To 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1143-1144)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the strong support of the Senate for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to extend invitations for membership to Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia at the April 2008 Bucharest Summit, and for other purposes.

2/25/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the the sense of the Senate that: (1) the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) contributes to NATO's continued effectiveness and relevance; and (2) the United States should take the lead in supporting the awarding of invitations to Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to join NATO at the April 2008 NATO Summit at Bucharest, Romania.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - 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 Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - 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 Text
Expressing the need for a more comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, Republic of Iraq, and international community.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the need for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative led by the United States, the Republic of Iraq, and the international community to ensure the establishment of a cohesive government in Iraq.

Expresses condolences to the number of Iraqis who have been killed, displaced, or wounded.

Recognizes that the U.S. government owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in Iraq and who now deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and assistance.

Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for additional research into the chronic neurological condition hydrocephalus, and for other purposes. 1/22/2008--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.)Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first-ever NIH conference on hydrocephalus (a neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain). Urges the Director to continue the current collaboration with respect to hydrocephalus among national research institutes.Calls for: (1) further research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus; and (2) increased public awareness [...]

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S.2444 Sponsored by Patty Murray
Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to establish and evaluate sustainability programs, charged with developing and implementing integrated environmental, economic, and social sustainability initiatives, and to direct the Secretary of Education to convene a summit of higher education experts in the area of sustainability. 12/11/2007--Introduced. Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to establish sustainability programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Directs the Secretary to contract with an IHE, nonprofit organization, or consortium of such institutions for administration of the grant program. Requires such programs to develop and implement: (1) sustainability practices, including in the areas of energy management, green building, waste management, purchasing, transportation, and toxics management; and (2) other aspects of [...]

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Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Supporting the efforts of the Iraq Neighbors Process Ministerial meeting and encouraging the ongoing engagement of the international community to stabilize Iraq and achieve peace in the Middle East.

10/29/2007--Introduced.

Supports and commends the efforts of the Iraq Neighbors Process Ministerial meeting and encourages ongoing cooperation and dialogue to foster stability in Iraq and achieve peace in the Middle East.

Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13091-13092)

Bill Text
A bill to assist wildlife populations and wildlife habitats in adapting to and surviving the effects of global warming, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish: (1) a national strategy for assisting wildlife populations and habitats in adapting to the impact of global warming; (2) an advisory board on such impact; (3) the National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (4) a State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program.Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so that they are more resilient and better able to withstand the additional stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification; (2) establish an advisory [...]

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H.R.3887 Sponsored by Tom Lantos
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To 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 [...]

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H.R.3863 Sponsored by Joe Sestak
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 Text
To provide a strategic approach to the war in Iraq to enhance the national security interests of the United States both at home and abroad, while ensuring the safety of the United States Armed Forces and ensuring stability in Iraq and the Middle East. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Enhancing America's Security through Strategic Redeployment from Iraq Act - Sets forth the following findings: (1) ending the war in Iraq is necessary, however, how the war is ended is of even greater importance for U.S. national security, the safety U.S. Armed Forces members serving in Iraq, and stability in both Iraq and the Middle East; (2) an open-ended U.S. involvement in Iraq is not in the interest of U.S. national security and U.S. military forces must be redeployed or risk becoming severely overstrained; and (3) redeployment from Iraq will be a lengthy process. Declares that: (1) it is critical that a comprehensive security plan is developed for Iraq and the region that accepts the necessity [...]

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H.R.3883 Sponsored by Joe Wilson
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to give priority consideration to Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, in selecting estuaries of national significance and convening management conferences under the national estuary program.

10/17/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include Port Royal Sound, South Carolina, among locations that are given priority consideration in selecting estuaries of national significance and convening management conferences under the national estuary program.

Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-570.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grant programs to provide for education and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated followup care once newborn screening has been conducted, to reauthorize programs under part A of title XI of such Act, and for other purposes. 10/15/2007--Introduced. Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to eligible entities to provide education and training in newborn screening and congenital, genetic, and metabolic disorders to health care professionals and newborn screening laboratory personnel. Adds as a condition for eligibility for grants for screening, counseling, or health care services to newborns and children having, or at risk for, heritable disorders that an entity assure that it has or is implementing guidelines [...]

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H.R.3797 Sponsored by David E. Price
Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To require the President to seek to institute a regional diplomatic plan for the Middle East, and for other purposes. 10/10/2007--Introduced. New Diplomatic Offensive for Iraq Act - Directs the President to implement a regional diplomatic plan in conjunction with the U.N. Security Council to: (1) curtail the ongoing civil war in Iraq; (2) prevent the spread of violence from Iraq into neighboring countries; (3) prevent the establishment of safe havens for al-Qa'ida and other terrorist organizations; (4) prevent regional conflict; (5) prevent genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity; and (6) promote a national process of reconciliation within Iraq. States that it is U.S. policy to: (1) undertake a sustained diplomatic effort to engage the governments of regional nations on issues that impact the situation in Iraq; (2) continue and expand U.S. direct bilateral talks with nations neighboring Iraq on issues of mutual interest; (3) support the goals [...]

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Latest Action: 10/03/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to express the sense of the Senate on the need for a comprehensive diplomatic offensive to help broker national reconciliation efforts in Iraq and lay the foundation for the eventual redeployment of United States combat forces.

10/3/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate on the need for a comprehensive diplomatic offensive to help broker national reconciliation efforts in Iraq and lay the foundation for the eventual redeployment of U.S. combat forces.

Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives concerning the creation of federal regions in Iraq.

9/27/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of House of Representatives that: (1) the United States should support a political settlement in Iraq based on the final provisions of the Constitution of Iraq that create a federal system of government and allow for the creation of federal regions, consistent with the wishes of the Iraqi people and their elected leaders; (2) the United States should urge the government of Iraq to quickly agree upon and implement a law providing for the equitable distribution of oil revenues, which is a critical component of a comprehensive political settlement based upon federalism; and (3) nothing in this resolution should be construed in any way to infringe on the sovereign rights of the nation of Iraq.

Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Education to provide grants to establish and evaluate sustainability programs, charged with developing and implementing integrated environmental, economic and social sustainability initiatives, and to direct the Secretary of Education to convene a summit of higher education experts in the area of sustainability. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to establish sustainability programs at institutions of higher education. Requires such programs to develop and implement: (1) sustainability practices, including in the areas of energy management, green building, waste management, purchasing, transportation, and toxics management; and (2) other aspects of sustainability that integrate campus operations with multidisciplinary educational programs and are applicable to the private and government sectors. Directs the [...]

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H.R.3618 Sponsored by Ruben Hinojosa
Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a grant to a qualified youth-serving organization for recruiting and preparing students for careers and volunteer opportunities as health care professionals, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Safe Schools and Health Care Professional Pipeline Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a grant to a qualified youth serving organization to establish and expand emergency preparedness pipelines consisting of: (1) health science curricula in secondary schools, institutions of higher education, and continuing education programs that prepare students for careers as health care professionals; and (2) school-based emergency preparedness chapters. Requires such a chapter to recruit and prepare students for federal, state, community, and school public health emergencies under the administration of such an organization and to provide training that [...]

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Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To authorize workshops to eliminate gender bias for women in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for other purposes. 9/10/2007--Introduced. Gender Bias Elimination Act of 2007 - Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to separately host mandatory national meetings that educate members of review panels, university department chairs, and agency program officers about methods that minimize the effects of gender bias in evaluation. Requires that such meetings be held biennially for each major discipline. Instructs such agencies to enforce the federal anti-discrimination laws at universities and other higher education institutions through regular compliance reviews and prompt and thorough investigation of discrimination complaints.[...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-183.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 2/5/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 19, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act - Establishes the Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Sets forth Commission duties, including: (1) planning activities appropriate to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade; (2) encouraging civic, historical, educational, religious, economic entities, as well as state and local governments to participate in anniversary activities; (3) facilitating the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of the Congress for related ceremonies and activities; (4) promoting the sponsorship of related conferences and exhibitions; and (5) [...]

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S.1977 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10811-10812)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for sustained United States leadership in a cooperative global effort to prevent nuclear terrorism, reduce global nuclear arsenals, stop the spread of nuclear weapons and related material and technology, and support the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear technology. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Nuclear Weapons Threat Reduction Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President, upon a specified congressional certification by the Secretary of State, to make voluntary contributions for creation of a low enriched uranium reserve administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that would help guarantee the availability of fuel for commercial nuclear reactors and dissuade countries from building their own uranium enrichment capability. Authorizes appropriations for voluntary contributions to the IAEA. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report to Congress on a verification regime for a fissile material cutoff treaty. Directs the [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health and healthcare of racial and ethnic minority groups. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority groups through improved access to health care, patient navigators, primary prevention activities, health promotion and disease prevention activities, and health literacy education and services.Provides for grants to: (1) promote positive health behaviors; (2) implement culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based, and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate [...]

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S.1857 Sponsored by John Warner
Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 7/23/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institutions for Advanced Technology and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible institutions for specified activities, including: (1) acquiring equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, digital network technology, wireless technology, and infrastructure; (2) developing and providing educational services, including faculty development, related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; (3) providing technology-related training for teachers, library and media specialists, early childhood educators, and teacher aides; and (4) forming technology-related consortia or collaborative projects. Defines "eligible institution" as a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving institution, a Tribal College or University, an Alaska [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grant programs to provide for education and outreach on newborn screening and coordinated followup care once newborn screening has been conducted, to reauthorize programs under part A of title XI of such Act, and for other purposes. 4/8/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 13, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to award grants to eligible entities to: (1) provide screening, counseling, or health care services to newborns and children having or at risk for heritable disorders; (2) provide education and training in newborn [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 186 (Roll No. 1076).

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2008 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic and statistical analysis programs; (6) the Bureau of the Census; (7) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, including for grants [...]

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H.RES.552 Sponsored by Jim Marshall
Latest Action: 09/05/2007 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H10111)

Bill Text
Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to remove barriers to United States financial services firms doing business in China. 9/5/2007--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.) Declares the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the government of the People's Republic of China should immediately implement all of its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments to date in financial services; and (2) it should immediately implement all of its commitments to date made under the auspices of the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) initiated by the Secretary of the Treasury. States that U.S. goals for the next SED meeting should be to achieve Chinese commitments toward: (1) removal of all foreign investment ownership caps on banking, life insurance, asset management, and securities; and [...]

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H.R.3043 Sponsored by David R. Obey
Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the question of passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/7/2007--Senate receded and concurred with amendment.    (There are 4 other summaries) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Department of Labor for: (1) the Employment and Training Administration, including training and employment services; (2) community service employment for older Americans; (3) federal unemployment benefits and allowances; (4) state unemployment insurance and employment service operations; (5) advances to the Unemployment [...]

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Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement.

Bill Text
To ensure that all Federal agencies consider the environmentally preferable features and practices of a vendor in purchases of meeting and conference services.

7/12/2007--Introduced.

Green Meetings Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to ensure that the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised to require each federal agency to consider, in each purchase of meeting and conference services, the environmentally preferable features and practices of a vendor in a manner substantially similar to that required of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under specified provisions set forth in an EPA final rule published in the Federal Register on April 12, 2007.

H.R.2994 Sponsored by Lois Capps
Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to pain care. 7/11/2007--Introduced. National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda for action that will reduce such barriers and improve pain care research, education, and clinical care.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pain Consortium to: (1) establish a national agenda for research on the causes and effective treatments for pain; and (2) convene an annual conference of experts in pain research, treatment, and management to assess and make recommendations [...]

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Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the expansion of Federal efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. 6/27/2007--Introduced. Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public [...]

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Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - H.AMDT.967 Amendment (A009) offered by Ms. Sutton. (consideration: CR H1389-1390; text: CR H1389) An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 110-539 to require the Corporation for National and Community Service to conduct a study to identify specifi

Bill Text
To reauthorize and reform the national service laws. 11/1/2007--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA) and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (DVSA) to revise their programs and reauthorize appropriations for them through FY2012. Title I: Amendments to National and Community Service Act of 1990 - Revises under the NSCA: (1) the School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning programs and Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service, also known as Learn and Serve programs; (2) National Service Trust programs, also known as AmeriCorps; (3) the Civilian Community Corps Demonstration program; and (4) the Investment for Quality and Innovation program. Subtitle A: Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) - (Sec. 1101) Adds to NSCA purposes: (1) providing [...]

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H.R.2850 Sponsored by Phil Gingrey
Latest Action: 09/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To provide for the implementation of a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate federal green chemistry research, development, education, and technology transfer activities. Defines green chemistry as chemistry and and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances through safe and efficient manufacturing processes. Requires that Program activities be designed to: (1) provide sustained support for green chemistry research, development, education, and technology transfer; (2) examine how the federal government can create green chemistry processes and products; (3) facilitate the adoption of green [...]

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S.1671 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Kerry with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-185.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 9/26/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007 - Title I: Reauthorization - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize for FY2008-FY2010 the following small business assistance programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA): (1) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program; (2) the small business development center (SBDC) program; and (3) the Paul D. Coverdell drug-free workplace program. Title II: Women's Small Business Ownership Programs - (Sec. 201) Requires the SBA's Assistant Administrator for Women's Business Ownership to: (1) address issues for women-owned businesses concerning management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, retail and product sales, international trade, and other [...]

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S.1650 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 01/08/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/19/2007 with amendments. With written report No. 110-257.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/8/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include [...]

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Latest Action: 07/18/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.

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Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Corps of Engineers-Civil - Makes FY 2008 appropriations for: (1) the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood and storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration; (2) general investigations and construction (including rescissions of funds); (3) flood damage reduction for the Mississippi River alluvial valley below Cape Girardeau, Missouri; (4) operation, maintenance, and administration of laws pertaining to regulation of navigable waters and wetlands; (5) clean up of contamination from sites resulting from work performed as part of the early atomic energy program; (6) flood control, hurricane, and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish grant programs to provide funding for mental health services in response to public health emergencies, for statewide plans for providing such services in response to such emergencies, and for the training of mental health professional with respect to the treatment of victims of such emergencies, and to establish the National Mental Health Crisis Response Technical Assistance Center. 6/11/2007--Introduced. Mental Health Services in Public Health Emergencies Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, to make grants to: (1) states and political subdivisions to provide mental health services in response to public health emergencies; and (2) states to develop statewide plans for providing such services and to train personnel to implement such plan effectively.Requires the Secretary, acting through the [...]

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Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7389-7390)

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A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress on federalism in Iraq.

6/7/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should: (1) support a political settlement among Iraq's major factions based upon the provisions of the Constitution of Iraq that create a federal system of government and allow for the creation of federal regions; and (2) urge the government of Iraq to implement a law providing for the equitable distribution of oil revenues, which is a critical component of a comprehensive political settlement based upon federalism.

Latest Action: 06/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7350)

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A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health and healthcare of racial and ethnic minority groups. 6/7/2007--Introduced. Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) develop an Internet Clearinghouse within the Office of Minority Health; (2) provide for programs of excellence in health professions education for underrepresented minorities; and (3) support demonstration projects designed to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority groups through improved access to health care, patient navigators, primary prevention activities, health promotion and disease prevention activities, and health literacy education and services.Provides for grants to: (1) promote positive health behaviors; (2) implement culturally and linguistically appropriate, evidence-based, and community-driven sustainable strategies to eliminate [...]

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H.R.2574 Sponsored by Mark Udall
Latest Action: 07/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7712)

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

6/5/2007--Introduced.

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

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

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

S.1545 Sponsored by Ken Salazar
Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12428)

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

6/5/2007--Introduced.

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

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

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

Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the voluntary development by States of qualifying best practices for health care and to encourage such voluntary development by amending titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide differential rates of payment favoring treatment provided consistent with qualifying best practices under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Improved Medical Decision Incentive Act of 2007 - Allows a state health department to approve best practices in a course of, or as a means of treatment for, a particular condition, illness, or procedure, as the qualifying standard of care for the state in order to take advantage of the differential rates of payment implemented under the Social Security Act and the private insurance incentive under this Act. Requires a state health department, among other conditions for state approval, to allow any duly constituted state medical society or medical speciality group to [...]

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Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

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Expressing the sense of Congress in support of further research and activities to increase public awareness, professional education, diagnosis, and treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Commends the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for working with leading scientists and researchers to organize the first NIH conference on hydrocephalus in September 2005 and the Inaugural Cerebellar Development: Bench to Bedside International Conference in November 2006.Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Director of NIH should continue the current collaboration, with respect to Dandy-Walker syndrome, among the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Rare Diseases; (2) further research into such syndrome should be [...]

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Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the Office of Women's Health and the regulation of breast implants, and to provide for a scientific workshop on the use of emergency contraception by women under age 18. 5/24/2007--Introduced. FDA Scientific Fairness for Women Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish the Office of Women's Health within the Office of the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Deems a breast implant to be a class III medical device. Requires premarket approval of breast implants irrespective of whether the implant has been cleared for commercial distribution in interstate commerce before the date of enactment of this Act.Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finding that a reasonable assurance of safety has been shown for an application for premarket approval for a a breast implant unless the applicant involved has demonstrated its safety for the life [...]

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S.1459 Sponsored by Robert Menendez
Latest Action: 05/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6554-6555)

Bill Text
A bill to strengthen the Nation's research efforts to identify the causes and cure of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, expand psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data collection, study access to and quality of care for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and for other purposes. 5/23/2007--Introduced. Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify research and related NIH activities with respect to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to conduct or support research to expand understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish [...]

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H.R.2420 Sponsored by Tom Lantos
Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H. Rept. 110-215.

Bill Text
To declare United States policy on international climate cooperation, to authorize assistance to promote clean and efficient energy technologies in foreign countries, and to establish the International Clean Energy Foundation. 6/28/2007--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) International Climate Cooperation Re-engagement Act of 2007 - Title I: United States Policy on Global Climate Change - (Sec. 103) Establishes within the Department of State an Office on Global Climate Change, which shall be headed by the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Climate Change. States that the primary responsibility of the Ambassador-at-Large shall be to advance U.S. goals with respect to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and addressing global climate change. Authorizes the Ambassador-at-Large to represent the United States in diplomatic contacts relating to global climate change. Title II: Assistance to Promote Clean and Efficient [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1104)

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To establish the National Hurricane Research Initiative to improve hurricane preparedness, and for other purposes. 5/21/2007--Introduced. National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007 - Requires the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department of Commerce and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative and to cooperate with other specified federal agencies to carry it out. Requires such Initiative to set research objectives (based on a National Science Board report on the need for such Initiative) to: (1) make recommendations to the Board and to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Science Advisory Board; (2) assemble the science and engineering expertise of state or local government agencies and nongovernmental entities through a multi-agency effort focused on improving severe tropical storm forecasting capabilities, on durable and resilient infrastructure, and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 418.

Bill Text
Recognizing and welcoming the delegation of Pre