Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to improve the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and for other purposes. 4/18/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act - Title I: Modernizing the SBIR and STTR Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to extend through FY2010 (currently scheduled to expire at the end of FY2008) the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA). (Sec. 102) Increases, for FY2009 and thereafter, from: (1) 2.5% to 3.0% of participating federal agencies' extramural research budget the set-aside for SBIR program activities; and (2) 0.3% to 0.6% of such budget the set-aside for STTR program activities. (Sec. 103) Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award [...]

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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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H.R.5522 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Labor to issue interim and final occupational safety and health standards regarding worker exposure to combustible dust, and for other purposes. 4/30/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosions and Fires Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary of Labor, within 90 days, to promulgate an interim final standard regulating combustible dusts, which shall apply to manufacturing, processing, blending, conveying, repackaging, and handling of combustible particulate solids and their dusts (including organic dusts, plastics, sulfur, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fibers, dyes, coal, metals, and fossil fuels), but shall not apply to processes already covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard on grain facilities.Requires such standard to provide requirements for: (1) a hazard assessment [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
To require manufacturers to demonstrate sufficient means to cover, for certain products distributed in commerce, costs of potential recalls, and for other purposes. 1/17/2008--Introduced. Food and Product Responsibility Act of 2008 - Applies this Act to replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, biological products, consumer products, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry products, and eggs or egg products (covered products).Prohibits a manufacturer from distributing a covered product unless the manufacturer holds a certification from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the manufacturer possesses sufficient means (through insurance or otherwise) to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product, including administrative costs, compensatory damages, and costs of any product liability or other lawsuit relating to that product.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (regarding meat and meat food products), the Poultry Products Inspection [...]

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S.2307 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 2:30 p.m.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Global Change Research Act of 1990, and for other purposes. 11/5/2007--Introduced. Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change.Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the [...]

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H.R.4040 Sponsored by Bobby L. Rush
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
To establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 3/6/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) CPSC Reform Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act and any other provision of law the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is authorized or directed to carry out; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the CPSC; and (4) for research into safety issues related to the use of nanotechnology in consumer products. (Sec. 4) Requires the CPSC, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by at least 500 the number of its full-time employees and by at least 50 the number of its port-of-entry and overseas production facility inspectors. Requires [...]

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S.2282 Sponsored by Olympia J. Snowe
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13687)

Bill Text
A bill to increase the number of full-time personnel of the Consumer Product Safety Commission assigned to duty stations at United States ports of entry or to inspect overseas production facilities, and for other purposes.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase to not less than 50 the number of full-time personnel assigned to duty stations at United States ports of entry or to inspect overseas production facilities.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Trade Act of 1974 to reauthorize trade adjustment assistance, to extend trade adjustment assistance to service workers and firms, and for other purposes. 10/31/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 - Title I: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Subtitle A: Trade Adjustment Assistance for Service Sector Workers; Expansion of Covered Shifts in Production; Expansion of Downstream Secondary Worker Eligibility - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 (the Act) to allow the filing of a petition with the Secretary of Labor for certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers in a service sector firm or a public agency. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift, by such workers' firm or subdivision to a foreign country, of production of articles or in provision of services, like [...]

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H.R.3900 Sponsored by Duncan Hunter
Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt from tax income from domestic manufacturing activities.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Restore U.S. Manufacturing Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 100% tax deduction for qualified manufacturing activities income. Defines "qualified manufacturing activities income" as the excess of domestic manufacturing gross receipts over the cost of goods sold, and other expenses, losses, or deductions, properly allocable to such receipts.

H.R.3903 Sponsored by Jim Matheson
Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the development of a multi-stage product testing process to ensure compliance of children's products with consumer product safety standards, and for other purposes. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Kids' Toys Safety Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prescribe a comprehensive testing program for articles intended for children under five. Requires the CPSC, after receiving notice of a voluntary recall by a manufacturer or retailer, to post notice on the CPSC's website and notify the health department of each state. Requires the manufacturer of a product for children under five to label the product or its packaging to enable the purchaser to determine production information. Requires the CPSC to establish a database as a clearinghouse for information regarding factories, warehouses, or other facilities where consumer products which have been [...]

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H.R.3775 Sponsored by Nick Lampson
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To support research and development of new industrial processes and technologies that optimize energy efficiency and environmental performance, utilize diverse sources of energy, and increase economic competitiveness. 10/22/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to conduct: (1) energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities with respect to new industrial and commercial processes, technologies, and methods to achieve improvements in energy efficiency and enhance the economic competitiveness of the U.S. industrial sector; and (2) environmental research and development with respect to new industrial and commercial processes, technologies, and methods to achieve environmental performance improvements such as waste reduction, emissions reductions, and more efficient water use.[...]

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H.R.3776 Sponsored by Bart Gordon
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee by Energy and Environment Prior to Introduction and Referral (October 3, 2007).

Bill Text
To provide for research, development, and demonstration programs in advanced energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution applications, to support the ability of the United States to remain globally competitive in this field, and to promote the efficient delivery and use of energy. 10/22/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct programs of basic and applied research to support the development of energy storage systems for electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; and (2) award funds to, and coordinate activities with, stakeholders in the public, private, and academic sectors. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2014. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to implement a program of new regionally [...]

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H.R.3716 Sponsored by James T. Walsh
Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require independent safety certification of children's products, to increase the Consumer Product Safety Commission's inspection capability for imported products, and to prohibit hazardous imports based on manufacturing site, and for other purposes. 10/1/2007--Introduced. Safe Toys for Kids Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require every manufacturer (and any related private labeler) of an article for use by a child under 60 months of age which is subject to a consumer product safety standard or a rule under any Act administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declaring a consumer product a banned hazardous product to certify, based on testing conducted by a nongovernmental independent third party, that the product conforms to such standard or is not a banned hazardous product. Bars importation of such articles lacking independent third party certification. Allows the CPSC, by rule, to [...]

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S.2081 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 09/20/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to require manufacturers to demonstrate sufficient means to cover, for certain products distributed in commerce, costs of potential recalls, and for other purposes. 9/20/2007--Introduced. Food and Product Responsibility Act of 2007 - Applies this Act to replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, biological products, consumer products, meat or meat food product, poultry or poultry products, and eggs or egg products (covered products). Prohibits a manufacturer from distributing a covered product unless the manufacturer holds a certification from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the manufacturer possesses sufficient means (through insurance or otherwise) to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product, including administrative costs, compensatory damages, and costs of any product liability or other lawsuit relating to that product.Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act (regarding meat and meat food products), the Poultry Products [...]

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H.R.3567 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 09/28/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to expand opportunities for investments in small businesses, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007 - Title I: Small Business Investment Company Program - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the maximum amounts of outstanding leverage made available by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) any one small business investment company (SBIC) which provides loans to small businesses; and (2) two or more SBICs that are commonly controlled. (Sec. 102) Increases the total amount of debentures and participating securities issued by an SBIC that may be guaranteed by the SBA in the case of an SBIC that certifies that not less than 50% of its aggregate investments will be made in small businesses that are either: (1) majority owned by socially or economically [...]

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S.2045 Sponsored by Mark L. Pryor
Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - By Senator Inouye from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 110-265.

Bill Text
A bill to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide greater protection for children's products, to improve the screening of noncompliant consumer products, to improve the effectiveness of consumer product recall programs, and for other purposes. 12/5/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) CPSC Reform Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations: (1) to carry out the Act; (2) for the office of Inspector General; (3) to make capital improvements to the research, development, and testing facility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); and (4) for research into safety issues related to the use of nanotechnology in consumer products.(Sec. 4) Requires the CPSC, subject to the availability of appropriations, to increase by at least 500 the number of its full time employees and by at least 50 the number of its port of entry and overseas production facility inspectors.[...]

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H.R.3499 Sponsored by Darlene Hooley
Latest Action: 09/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require third-party verification of compliance of children's products with consumer product safety standards promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and for other purposes.

9/7/2007--Introduced.

Children's Products Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require every manufacturer (and any related private labeler) of an article for use by a child under 60 months of age which is subject to a consumer product safety standard or a rule under any Act administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declaring a consumer product a banned hazardous product to certify, based on testing conducted by a nongovernmental independent third party, that the product conforms to such standard or is not a banned hazardous product.

Bars importation of such articles lacking independent third party certification.

H.R.3477 Sponsored by Mike Ferguson
Latest Action: 09/05/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require third-party verification of compliance of children's products with consumer product safety standards promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and for other purposes.

9/5/2007--Introduced.

Safe Toys for Kids Act - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require every manufacturer (and any related private labeler) of an article for use by a child under 60 months of age which is subject to a consumer product safety standard or a rule under any Act administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declaring a consumer product a banned hazardous product to certify, based on testing conducted by a nongovernmental independent third party, that the product conforms to such standard or is not a banned hazardous product.

Bars importation of such articles lacking independent third party certification.

H.R.3466 Sponsored by Tim Ryan
Latest Action: 08/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To award grants to establish Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers, which shall conduct outreach, technology transfer, development, and utilization programs in specific industries and geographic regions for the benefit of small and medium-sized manufacturers and businesses. 8/4/2007--Introduced. Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities (any nonprofit, consortium of nonprofits, or partnership between a for-profit and a nonprofit) to establish up to five Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers throughout the United States. Requires each Center to conduct: (1) general outreach to small businesses and manufacturers in all industry sectors within the geographic region assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary; and (2) technology transfer, development, and utilization programs for businesses throughout the United [...]

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H.R.3339 Sponsored by Betty McCollum
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct studies and report on the health effects of non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral particles.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a plan to: (1) increase awareness of the dangers posed by asbestos-containing materials and products and contaminants in homes and workplaces and by asbestos-related diseases; (2) provide information to, and encourage participation in research and treatment endeavors by, asbestos-related disease patients and their families and front-line health care providers; and (3) encourage health care providers and researchers to provide to patients [...]

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Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to award grants to establish Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers, which shall conduct outreach, technology transfer, development, and utilization programs in specific industries and geographic regions for the benefit of small- and medium-size manufacturers and businesses. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Blue Collar Computing and Business Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities (any nonprofit, consortium of nonprofits, or partnership between a for-profit and a nonprofit) to establish up to five Advanced Multidisciplinary Computing Software Centers throughout the United States. Requires each Center to conduct: (1) general outreach to small businesses and manufacturers in all industry sectors within the geographic region assigned to the Center by the Under Secretary; and (2) technology transfer, development, and utilization programs for businesses throughout the [...]

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H.R.3285 Sponsored by Steve Cohen
Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct a study that: (1) describes the science concerning the disease mechanisms and health effects of exposure to asbestos and other biopersistent durable fibers and methods for measuring and analyzing asbestos; (2) describes labeling practices relating to asbestos-containing material; and (3) recommends future asbestos-related disease research and exposure assessment practice needs. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations that prohibit the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition and specified exemptions sought by the Department [...]

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Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.

Bill Text
To ensure the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for the establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects. Allows the Partnership to provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing. Requires return on investment of amounts resulting from the commercialization of developed technologies to the Partnership. Requires establishment of an advisory board to assist the Secretary in carrying out the Partnership. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock. Authorizes establishment within the Technology [...]

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H.R.3239 Sponsored by Rick Boucher
Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Bill Text
To promote advanced plug-in hybrid vehicles and vehicle components. 8/3/2007--Reported to House without amendment, Part I.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to: (1) provide loan guarantees for the construction of facilities for the manufacture of advanced vehicle batteries and battery systems; (2) provide grants to state governments, local governments, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts, or private or nonprofit entities to carry out projects to encourage the use of plug-in electric drive vehicles or other emerging electric vehicle technologies; (3) provide electric drive transportation education nationwide, including to establish a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle competition known as the Dr. Andrew Frank Plug-in Hybrid Electric [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to improve the disclosure of fees and expenses of open-end investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

7/30/2007--Introduced.

Mutual Fund Fee Reform Act - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to initiate rulemaking proceedings to revise the requirements of regulations applicable to open-end investment companies relating to the disclosure of 12b-1 fees to investors in such investment companies.

S.1818 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9615)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to phase out the use of mercury in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic soda, and for other purposes. 7/19/2007--Introduced. Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act - Declares that the United States should develop policies and programs that will reduce: (1) mercury use and emissions; (2) mercury releases from the reservoir of mercury currently in use or circulation; and (3) exposures to mercury, particularly exposures of women of childbearing age and young children.Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacture of chlorine or caustic soda using mercury cells, effective January 1, 2012. Requires the owner or operator of each chlor-alkali facility to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and the state in which the facility is located an annual report for 2008-2012 concerning mercury waste, emissions, and content in products.Requires EPA to [...]

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S.1833 Sponsored by Bill Nelson
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require third-party verification of compliance of children's products with consumer product safety standards promulgated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and for other purposes.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Children's Products Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require every manufacturer of an article for use by a child under 60 months of age which is subject to a consumer product safety standard administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declaring a consumer product a banned hazardous product to certify, based on testing conducted by a nongovernmental independent third party, that the product conforms to such standard or is not a banned hazardous product.

Bars importation of such articles lacking independent third party certification.

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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S.1766 Sponsored by Jeff Bingaman
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10775, S10776)

Bill Text
A bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of energy, and for other purposes. 7/11/2007--Introduced. Low Carbon Economy Act of 2007 - Requires specified regulated entities (including certain fuel distributors and owners and operators of coal facilities or nonfuel regulated entities) to submit to the President: (1) the number of allowances or credits equal to the entity's covered greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; or (2) a payment equal to the amount of the technology accelerator payment (TAP) price in lieu of submission of required allowances. Requires the President to establish a trading system for such allowances and credits.Requires TAP payments to be deposited into the Energy Technology Deployment Fund.Requires the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report on next generation technologies that can reduce and use methane emissions; and (2) use a portion of the Fund to carry out a methane research and development program.Provides for: [...]

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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.1663 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. incorporated into measure S. 1662 ordered to be reported.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to reauthorize the New Markets Venture Capital Program, and for other purposes.

6/19/2007--Introduced.

Securing Equity for the Economic Development of Low Income Areas Act of 2007 or SEED Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to select at least one company from each SBA geographic region when selecting companies to participate as New Markets Venture Capital companies.

Establishes in the Investment Division of the SBA the Office of New Markets Venture Capital.

Modifies the definition of low-income geographic area to reflect the new markets tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code.

Revises the formula for the amount of operational assistance grants for new markets venture capital companies.

S.1602 Sponsored by Chuck Hagel
Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the energy security of the United States by promoting diverse energy supplies and energy efficiency, and for other purposes. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Clean, Reliable, Efficient and Secure Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to establish the Appliance Efficiency Standards Commission.Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require an electric utility to demonstrate that alternative investments in advanced grid technologies have been considered before undertaking investments in nonadvanced grid technologies; and (2) prescribe a Clean Energy Portfolio Standard, including a credit program. Establishes the Clean Energy Technology Trust Fund.Transfers to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) specified lands for use for high-level radioactive waste disposal and spent nuclear fuel. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to require the Secretary to apply to the Nuclear Regulatory [...]

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H.R.2566 Sponsored by Eliot L. Engel
Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1207)

Bill Text
To provide American consumers information about the broadcast television transition from an analog to a digital format. 6/5/2007--Introduced. National Digital Television Consumer Education Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require retail distributors of television receiving equipment (TVs) to place adjacent to each unit displayed for sale a consumer alert in English and Spanish that the TV has only an analog broadcast tuner and will require a converter box after February 17, 2009, to receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. Imposes similar requirements on sellers that use direct mail, catalog, or electronic means such as the Internet. Requires broadcaster public service announcements about the deadline for termination of analog TV broadcasting and the equipment options for consumers following such termination. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a DTV Transition Federal Advisory Committee to educate the public about the [...]

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S.1531 Sponsored by Harry Reid
Latest Action: 05/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6955-6960)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives and extend existing incentives for the production and use of renewable energy resources, and for other purposes. 5/25/2007--Introduced. Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Incentives Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2018 the tax credits for producing electricity from renewable resources and for investment in clean renewable energy bonds.Allows new tax credits for: (1) holders of water conservation, reuse, and efficiency bonds; (2) expenditures for geothermal exploration; (3) holders of qualified renewable school energy bonds; and (4) investment in solar energy manufacturing facilities.Expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include expenditures for wind energy property that uses a qualifying wind turbine (with a rated capacity of 100 kilowatts or less) to generate electricity.Extends through 2013 the new energy [...]

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S.1526 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6895)

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop standards for general service lamps that will operate more efficiently and assist in reducing costs to consumers, business concerns, government entities, and other users, to require that general service lamps and related products manufactured or sold in interstate commerce after 2013 meet those standards, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Bright Idea Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish technical standards for general service lamps that provide levels of illumination equivalent to those provided by lamps generally available in 2007, but with a lumens per watt rating of at least: (1) 30 by calendar 2013; and (2) 45 by calendar 2018.Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out a lighting technology research and development program regarding lamps and related technologies made available in the United States; and (2) assist manufacturers in the manufacturing of general service lamps that [...]

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S.1527 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit for renovation and construction of manufacturing facilities for incandescent lamps.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow any business that produces general service incandescent lamps a tax credit for investment in manufacturing facilities in the United States that produce lamps that meet certain requirements under the Bright Idea Act of 2007.

H.R.2359 Sponsored by Joe Sestak
Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.

Bill Text
To reauthorize programs to assist small business concerns, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Revisions to Small Business Development Centers - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to make operational changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s small business development centers (SBDCs) program, including: (1) requiring new SBDC award grantees that are universities to be accredited; (2) requiring award grantees to be equal partners in grant program and contract negotiations; (3) prohibiting SBA interference in hiring practices of SBDC grant recipients; (4) prohibiting the SBA from using program resources for administrative expenses of examining SBDC operations; (5) exempting [...]

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S.1372 Sponsored by Mark L. Pryor
Latest Action: 05/11/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for a Center for Nanotechnology Research and Engineering. 5/11/2007--Introduced. Nanotechnology Infrastructure Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a geographically diverse, interdisciplinary Center for Nanotechnology Research and Engineering (the Center) to focus on: (1) the science and engineering of manufacturing at the nanoscale in multiple dimensions; or (2) nanotechnology for sustainable energy, water, agriculture, and the environment. Allows the Center to be a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center or a National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network node. Requires that the Center shall consist of: (1) a lead academic institution located in an EPSCoR (the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) state; and (2) at least one additional academic institution located in a second EPSCoR state. Permits the Center to include other institutions within or outside of the [...]

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H.R.2272 Sponsored by Bart Gordon
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Full Committee Prior to Introduction and Referral (March 13, 2007).

Bill Text
To invest in innovation through research and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the United States. 8/9/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) America COMPETES Act or America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act - Title I: Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science - (Sec. 1001) Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health and direction of the United States' science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enterprises; and (2) issue a report on Summit results. Requires, beginning with the President's budget submission for the fiscal year following the conclusion of the Summit and for each of the following four budget submissions, the analytical perspectives component of the budget that describes the research and development (R&D) priorities to include a description of how those [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Bill Text
To provide support for small business concerns, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Small Business Investment and Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide to small business owners and operators of farming or commercial fishing businesses a temporary credit for excessive fuel costs paid or incurred in the operation of such business; (2) make permanent the credit for increasing research activities; and (3) treat as 15-year property for purposes of the depreciation deduction qualified restaurant property, qualified retail improvement property, and certain systems installed in nonresidential buildings. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for: (1) the Advanced Technology Program; (2) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); (3) small business development centers; (4) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program; and (5) the Women's Business Centers program. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for appropriate [...]

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S.1191 Sponsored by Sherrod Brown
Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5015)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to States to establish revolving loan funds to provide loans to small manufacturers to develop new products, and for other purposes.

4/24/2007--Introduced.

Growth Opportunity Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to states to establish revolving loan funds to provide loans to small manufacturers (less than $50 million in annual sales) for new product development. Limits grants to $10 million each and requires states to contribute at least 25% of the grant funds provided.

H.R.1868 Sponsored by David Wu
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Prior to Introduction and Referral (February 15, 2007).

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for FY2008-FY2010 for: (1) scientific and technical research and services laboratory activities of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); (2) the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program; (3) construction and maintenance of NIST facilities; and (4) NIST Industrial Technology Services activities. Title II: Innovation and Technology Policy Reforms - (Sec. 201) Requires the Director of NIST (the Director), concurrent with submission to Congress of the President's annual budget request, to transmit a three-year programmatic planning [...]

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H.R.1719 Sponsored by Gwen Moore
Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to reauthorize and expand the New Markets Venture Capital Program, and for other purposes. 3/27/2007--Introduced. Securing Equity for the Economic Development of Low Income Areas Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in selecting companies to participate in the New Markets Venture Capital Program (Program), to select at least one company from each geographic region of the SBA. Requires (currently, authorizes) the Administrator to make grants to such companies to be used for loans to new-market small businesses, and to guarantee debentures issued by such companies. Establishes the Office of New Markets Venture Capital, headed by a Director, to administer the Program. Revises the definition of "low income geographic area" for Program eligibility purposes. Requires a study by the SBA's Chief Counsel [...]

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H.R.1686 Sponsored by Bob Etheridge
Latest Action: 04/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.

Bill Text
To amend the Homeland Security Act to require that uniforms, protective gear, badges, and identification cards of personnel be manufactured in the United States. 3/26/2007--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Secure American Federal Equipment Procurement Act or the DHS SAFE Procurement Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds for the procurement of any of the following items that are not manufactured in the United States: (1) uniforms; (2) protective gear; (3) badges or other insignia indicating rank, office, or position; and (4) identification cards.Makes exceptions: (1) where the Secretary determines that satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of the article cannot be procured as and when needed at U.S. market prices (in which case the Secretary shall notify the House and Senate homeland security committees and include a certification that manufacturing the article outside the United [...]

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Latest Action: 10/15/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to require certain manufacturers to provide consumer product registration forms to facilitate recalls of durable infant and toddler products. 10/9/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act - (Sec. 4) Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a final consumer product safety rule that requires manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products to: (1) provide consumers with a postage-paid consumer registration form with each such product; (2) maintain a record of registered consumer contact information to improve the effectiveness of product recalls; (3) permanently place the manufacturer name and contact information, model name and number, and the date of manufacture on each durable infant or toddler product; and (4) implement specified recordkeeping and notification requirements. Requires the CPSC to study [...]

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S.974 Sponsored by Susan M. Collins
Latest Action: 03/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3703-3704)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that the provisions relating to countervailing duties apply to nonmarket economy countries, and for other purposes.

3/22/2007--Introduced.

Stopping Overseas Subsidies Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to apply countervailing duties to nonmarket economies.

Authorizes the use of alternative methodologies in determining whether a subsidy is countervailable with respect to the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Requires congressional approval for revocation of nonmarket economy country determinations made by the administering authority.

Requires a United States International Trade Commission study of how the PRC uses government intervention to promote investment, employment, and exports.

Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to improve the 8(a) program.

3/20/2007--Introduced.

8(a) Modernization Act - Amends the Small Business Act to increase the thresholds for the award by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of government procurement and service contracts and subcontracts to certain small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from: (1) $5 million to $12 million, in the case of small business manufacturers; and (2) $3 million to $10 million, in the case of other small businesses.

Requires the SBA Administrator to establish, for each industry classification, a maximum level of net worth for an economically disadvantaged individual (for purposes of eligibility for the contract award program). Prohibits the Administrator from establishing a maximum net worth that prohibits program entry of less than $750,000.

S.761 Sponsored by Harry Reid
Latest Action: 07/19/2007 - Senate incorporated this measure in H.R. 2272 as an amendment. (consideration: CR S9574)

Bill Text
A bill to invest in innovation and education to improve the competitiveness of the United States in the global economy. 4/25/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) America COMPETES Act or America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act - Division A: Commerce and Science - American Innovation and Competitiveness Act - Title I: Office of Science and Technology Policy; Government-Wide Science - (Sec. 1101) Directs the President to: (1) convene a National Science and Technology Summit to examine the health and direction of the United States' science, technology, engineering, and mathematics enterprises; and (2) issue a report on Summit results. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to report annually to Congress on recommendations for areas of investment for federal research and technology programs. (Sec. 1102) Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To establish a demonstration project to train unemployed workers for employment as health care professionals, and for other purposes.

3/5/2007--Introduced.

Community-Based Health Care Retraining Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require the Secretary of Labor to establish and carry out a health professions training demonstration project that awards grants to eligible entities to train certain unemployed workers from the manufacturing or service sector for employment as health care professionals in communities with manufacturing and service sector job loss and health care professional shortages.

S.738 Sponsored by Mary L. Landrieu
Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2503-2504)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve the Office of International Trade, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--Introduced. Small Business International Trade Enhancements Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish an Associate Administrator for International Trade as the head of the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA), who shall be responsible for international trade policy. Grants the SBA Administrator the authority to appoint additional Associate Administrators. Requires United States Export Assistance Centers (export centers/one-stop shops) to aid the Office in maintaining a trade distribution network for trade promotion and trade assistance for small businesses. Requires the Office to establish annual goals to enhance the export capabilities of small businesses and small manufacturers to compete against foreign entities. Directs the Office, in order to provide small businesses access to certain export [...]

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S.742 Sponsored by Patty Murray
Latest Action: 10/05/2007 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.