Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to observe a moment of silence in the House on the first legislative day of each month for those killed or wounded in United States engagements in Iraq or Afghanistan.
H.R.5947 Sponsored by Peter T. King
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a returning soldiers' bill of rights.
S.2965 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require a report on the inclusion of severe and acute Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among the conditions covered by traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3715-3716)

Bill Text
A bill to improve and enhance the mental health care benefits available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, to enhance counseling and other benefits available to survivors of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3596)

Bill Text
A bill to expand and improve mental health care and reintegration programs for members of the National Guard and Reserve, and for other purposes.
H.RES.1177 Sponsored by Betty Sutton
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the practice of the Department of Defense to continue to use stop-loss orders to retain members of the Armed Forces who have completed their contractual obligations runs contrary to the stated policy of the United States to utilize an all-volunteer force.
H.R.5941 Sponsored by Bill Foster
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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 amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize taxpayers to designate a portion of their income tax payments to a National Military Family Relief Fund to be used by the Secretary of Defense to assist the families of members of the Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Iraq or Afghanistan.
Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require pilot programs on training and certification for family caregiver personal care attendants for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, to require a pilot program on provision of respite care to such veterans and members, and for other purposes.
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.
H.R.5907 Sponsored by Jim Gerlach
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To provide a Federal income tax credit for Eagle employers, and for other purposes.

4/24/2008--Introduced.

Eagle Employers Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer certified as an Eagle employer by the Secretary of the Treasury a tax credit for one percent of such employer's taxable income. Defines an " Eagle employer" as any taxpayer who: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States; (2) pays at least 60% of the health care premiums of its employees; (3) maintains or increases the number of its full-time workers in the United States relative to its full-time workers outside of the United States; (4) provides full differential salary and insurance benefits for all National Guard and Reserve employees called to active duty; and (5) provides its employees with a certain level of compensation and retirement benefits.

H.R.5899 Sponsored by Allen Boyd
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - 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 require funding under the Iraq Security Forces Fund to be provided in the form of loans and to require the Government of Iraq to provide matching funds under the Commanders' Emergency Response Program to be used for agreed-upon purposes which enable military commanders in Iraq to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements.
S.2892 Sponsored by Patrick J. Leahy
Latest Action: 04/18/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3174-3175)

Bill Text
A bill to promote the prosecution and enforcement of frauds against the United States by suspending the statute of limitations during times when Congress has authorized the use of military force.
S.2889 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3160, S3161)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve veterans' health care benefits, and for other purposes.
S.2880 Sponsored by Judd Gregg
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to provide that funds made available for reconstruction assistance for Iraq may be made available only to the extent that the Government of Iraq matches such assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and for other purposes.
S.2874 Sponsored by Dianne Feinstein
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes.
S.2787 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 03/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2234)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation and maintenance, including working capital funds, the Defense Health Program, chemical agents and munitions destruction, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, and the Defense Inspector General; (6) active and reserve military personnel, including [...]

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H.R.5837 Sponsored by Zoe Lofgren
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To make technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to provide injured members of the Armed Forces information concerning benefits.
H.R.5825 Sponsored by Devin Nunes
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes.
H.R.5824 Sponsored by Steve Kagen
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a mortgage foreclosure counseling program for members of the Armed Forces returning from service abroad.
Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Calling on the President of the United States not to commit the United States to any status of forces agreement or any other bilateral agreement with the Republic of Iraq that involves the continued presence of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq unless the agreement includes a provision under which the Republic of Iraq agrees to reimburse the United States for all costs incurred by the United States related to the presence of United States Armed Forces in Iraq after the effective date of the agreement. 4/17/2008--Introduced. Calls on the President not to commit the United States to any status of forces agreement or any other bilateral agreement with the Republic of Iraq that involves the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq unless under the agreement Iraq agrees to reimburse the United States for all costs related to the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq after such agreement's effective date, including pay and allowance costs for U.S. Armed Forces members [...]

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Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
A bill to make technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis, and for other purposes.
H.RES.1111 Sponsored by Ron Klein
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2434-2440)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any funding provided by the United States to the Government of Iraq for reconstruction, training for Iraqi security forces, and fuel for United States operations in Iraq should be provided in the form of loans.

4/16/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) U.S. funding to the government of Iraq for reconstruction, training for Iraqi security forces, and fuel for U.S. operations in Iraq should be provided as loans; and (2) the U.S. government should work with the government of Iraq to ensure that the government of Iraq obligates its own budget surplus for reconstruction projects before U.S. reconstruction aid is obligated.

Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that future Iraq reconstruction should be paid for by the Government of Iraq.

4/15/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that funding for future Iraq reconstruction initiatives and training of Iraqi security forces should come from Iraqi revenues, and if the government of Iraq cannot properly allocate and spend its revenues, U.S. reconstruction and security training funding should be provided to Iraq as a loan.

Latest Action: 04/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a program of educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces who serve in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. 4/9/2008--Introduced. Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to entitle to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill individuals in certain length-of-service categories who, commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serve on active duty in the Armed Forces. Establishes the duration of such assistance (in most cases 36 months) and assistance amounts. Requires programs of education pursued with such assistance to be approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the pursuit of an approved program of education while on active duty. Allows, under such assistance, for the pursuit of: (1) programs on less than a half-time basis; (2) apprenticeship or other on-job training; (3) correspondence courses;[...]

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Latest Action: 04/08/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S2756)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that funding provided by the United States to the Government of Iraq in the future for reconstruction and training for security forces be provided as a loan to the Government of Iraq.

4/8/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that U.S. funding to the government of Iraq for reconstruction and training for security forces after the date on which the Senate agrees to this resolution be provided as a loan.

S.2799 Sponsored by Patty Murray
Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Yea-Nay. 95 - 0. Record Vote Number: 87. (consideration: CR S2401; text as passed Senate: CR S2450-2484)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate on the need for Iraq's neighbors and other international partners to fulfill their pledges to provide reconstruction assistance to Iraq.

5/1/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries)

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Iraq's neighbors and other international partners should carry through on previous pledges to provide reconstruction assistance to Iraq; and (2) the United States should consider an Iraq Study Group recommendation to merge U.S. and international reconstruction assistance and Iraqi participants to ensure that projects in Iraq are rapidly and efficiently carried out.

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.

S.2780 Sponsored by Barbara Boxer
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to require an electronic database of information on the incidence of suicide among members of the Armed Forces.
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the investigation of suicides committed by members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
S.2764 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to enhance protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - 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
Recognizing March 19, 2008, as the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war and urging President George W. Bush to begin an immediate and safe redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.

3/14/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes and honors the sacrifice of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families on the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war.

Urges President George W. Bush: (1) not to enter into any long-term United States-Iraq strategic agreement without the approval of Congress; (2) to begin an immediate and safe redeployment of forces from Iraq; and (3) to live up to his responsibilities and adequately provide health care assistance to U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
A bill to aid families and neighborhoods facing home foreclosure and address the subprime mortgage crisis. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain [...]

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Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
Supporting the idea that coalition victory in Iraq is possible.

3/11/2008--Introduced.

Supports the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost.

Recognizes that: (1) the overall progress being made on the ground in Iraq is undeniable; (2) much of this progress is due to the skill and valor of the American service member; and (3) the decision by the President and our military leadership to provide a surge of troops to implement a new counterinsurgency strategy was the correct course of action.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Received in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to honor the 5 years of service and sacrifice of our troops and their families in the war in Iraq and to remember those who are serving our Nation in Afghanistan and throughout the world.

3/11/2008--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.)

Authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on March 13, 2008, for a ceremony to: (1) honor the five years of service and sacrifice of our troops and their families in the war in Iraq; and (2) remember those who are serving our nation in Afghanistan and throughout the world.

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1627-1659, H1661-1684)

Bill Text
Revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013. 3/13/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.) Revises and replaces the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Recommends budgetary levels and amounts for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs for substance use disorders, and for other purposes.
H.RES.1028 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Reasserting congressional prerogatives in foreign policy and reaffirming the importance of following constitutional processes when the United States Government enters into agreements regarding the use or maintenance of the United States Armed Forces or the use of the financial resources of the United States to assist a foreign government or people and clarifying the nature and scope of status of forces agreements. 3/6/2008--Introduced. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that approval by an Act of Congress is required for: (1) any agreement, understanding, or commitment, other than a treaty, entered into by the President or his designee, whether characterized or denominated as a status of forces agreement or otherwise, which purports to impose a binding or enforceable obligation on the United States to use or maintain the U.S. Armed Forces to assist a foreign country, government, or people, either immediately or upon the happening of certain events; (2) any [...]

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H.RES.1020 Sponsored by Peter Welch
Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
Recognizing the tremendous service that members of the Armed Forces have given to the Nation, especially those who have been wounded in combat.

3/4/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes the service that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have given to the nation, especially those who have sustained injury in combat.

Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to providing wounded warriors with the highest quality medical care available and to supporting wounded Armed Forces members and their families during their recovery.

Commends the actions of private citizens and organizations who volunteer their continued support to wounded warriors.

Encourages support and appreciation for returning troops, especially those who have been wounded.

H.RES.1019 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the current economic slowdown in the United States is directly related to the enormous costs of the ongoing occupation of Iraq, consigning the United States to what can only be called the Iraq recession, and for other purposes.

3/4/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the current U.S. economic slowdown is directly related to the enormous costs of the ongoing occupation of Iraq; and (2) Congress should move to redeploy U.S. Armed Forces and contractor security forces from Iraq as quickly and as safely as practical and refocus its efforts on addressing vital domestic priorities.

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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H.R.5499 Sponsored by Niki Tsongas
Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - 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 provide for a timetable for the redeployment of the United States Armed Forces from Iraq and to seek political and diplomatic solutions for the security and stability of the Republic of Iraq. 2/26/2008--Introduced. Iraq Redeployment Timetable and Political Reconciliation Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) begin U.S. military redeployment from Iraq within 90 days after the enactment of the Act; and (2) complete such redeployment within 180 days. States that the redeployment shall be carried out in order to protect U.S. national security interests and improve U.S. military readiness. Authorizes the Secretary to retain U.S. military forces in Iraq as required for protection of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) continue to work with the government of Iraq to provide for the security and stability of Iraq and its transition to democratic rule through diplomatic means; and (2) begin negotiations [...]

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S.2658 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1125)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year the period after release of a member from the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure.
H.R.5488 Sponsored by Maxine Waters
Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To provide for the recovery and stability of Iraq, and for other purposes.

2/26/2008--Introduced.

Recovery and Stability of Iraq Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the position of Iraqi Displacement Coordinator who shall identify programs that address the humanitarian needs of displaced Iraqis and who shall review, advise, support, and coordinate with the heads of appropriate U.S. departments and agencies, the government of Iraq, countries hosting displaced Iraqis in the region, the United Nations, and other involved nongovernmental and international organizations.

Directs the Coordinator to: (1) design a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of displaced Iraqis; and (2) encourage the government of Iraq to develop a long-term plan for the voluntary and safe return of displaced Iraqis to their homes.

S.2640 Sponsored by Richard Burr
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance and improve insurance, housing, labor and education, and other benefits for veterans, and for other purposes.
S.2644 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to clarify and improve information for members and former members of the Armed Forces on upgrades of discharge, to prohibit personality disorder discharges in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 02/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
H.R.5465 Sponsored by David Loebsack
Latest Action: 02/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To require the Department of Defense to implement a pain care initiative, and for other purposes.
H.RES.992 Sponsored by Steve Israel
Latest Action: 02/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
Honoring the sacrifice of all mothers in the Armed Forces who have deployed to theaters of combat on behalf of the United States.

2/14/2008--Introduced.

Honors the sacrifice of all mothers in the Armed Forces who have deployed to theaters of combat on behalf of the United States.

Commends the service of approximately 130,000 military mothers who have deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa in support of the Global War on Terror.

Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the Sense of Congress on the Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq.

2/14/2008--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Iraqi refugee crisis must be addressed before it becomes a major factor in the destabilization of Iraq and an increasing threat to U.S. security; and (2) the United States should support the Iraqi Red Crescent Organization in their work to provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq.

H.RES.991 Sponsored by Steve Israel
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1684)

Bill Text
Recognizing the exceptional sacrifice of the 69th Infantry Regiment, known as the Fighting 69th, in support of the Global War on Terror.

3/13/2008--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.)

Recognizes the 69th Infantry Regiment, or the Fighting 69th, as one of the great regiments in American military history that has continually participated in the Global War on Terror since the attack on September 11, 2001, as it deploys to Afghanistan.

Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Motion to proceed to consideration of measure withdrawn in Senate. (consideration: CR S1258)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the safe redeployment of United States troops from Iraq.

2/13/2008--Introduced.

Directs the President to transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to the following purposes: (1) conducting limited scope and duration operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations; (2) providing security for U.S. infrastructure and personnel; (3) training and equipping Iraqi security services and U.S. forces; and (4) redeploying U.S. forces from Iraq. Exempts such activities from the funding and redeployment provisions of this Act.

Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq.

Prohibits funds from being obligated or expended to continue the U.S. Armed Forces deployment in Iraq as of 120 days after the enactment of this Act.

H.RES.961 Sponsored by Don Young
Latest Action: 02/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Commends the 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry of the Alaska Army National Guard upon its completion of deployment and service to the Commonwealth of Alaska and the citizens of the United States.

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: 02/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide for the enhancement of the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. 2/6/2008--Introduced. Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to undertake specified actions to enhance the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) suicide prevention training for all members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian health care community and family support professionals; and (2) a suicide prevention outreach program throughout the Armed Forces and military family communities. Directs the Secretary to provide readjustment assistance to spouses and parents of members returning from deployments, including information on: (1) ways to identify signs and symptoms of risk factors for suicide; and (2) the national suicide prevention hotline and other suicide prevention resources. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements to [...]

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S.2585 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the enhancement of the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. 1/31/2008--Introduced. Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to undertake specified actions to enhance the suicide prevention programs of the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) suicide prevention training for all members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian health care community and family support professionals; and (2) a suicide prevention outreach program throughout the Armed Forces and military family communities. Directs the Secretary to provide readjustment assistance to spouses and parents of members returning from deployments, including information on: (1) ways to identify signs and symptoms of risk factors for suicide; and (2) the national suicide prevention hotline and other suicide prevention resources. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements [...]

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Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S501)

Bill Text
A resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. 1/30/2008--Introduced. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting to investigate the awarding and performance of contracts to conduct military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires investigation, in particular, of allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices, including allegations regarding any contract or spending entered into, supervised by, or otherwise involving the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), regardless of whether or not such contract or spending involved U.S. appropriated funds. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that any claim of fraud, waste, or abuse under the False Claims Act that involves any contract or spending [...]

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Latest Action: 02/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts to the United States in the case of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/29/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to remove the authority of the President to waive certain provisions. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (the Act) to remove the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terror seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the time such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism if: (1) it is the interest of national security; (2) it promotes the reconstruction of, the consolidation of democracy in, and the relations of the United States with, Iraq; and (3) Iraq continues to be a reliable ally of the United States and partner in combating acts of international terrorism.Deems ineffective, on the date of the enactment of this Act, any such immunity granted to the government [...]

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Latest Action: 02/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/28/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

H.R.5128 Sponsored by Barbara Lee
Latest Action: 02/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H926)

Bill Text
Disapproving of any formal agreement emerging from the "Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America" unless the agreement is approved through an Act of Congress. 1/23/2008--Introduced. States that any formal agreement emerging from the "Declaration of Principles for a Long-term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship Between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America" shall not have the effect of force of law unless the agreement is approved by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration must be approved by the Iraqi legislature. Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense (DOD) or any other U.S. department or agency from being used to enforce or implement any formal agreement emerging from such Declaration [...]

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Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/23/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S96-97)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts to the United States in the case of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/22/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

H.R.4986 Sponsored by Ike Skelton