Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to making progress toward the goal of eliminating tuberculosis, and for other purposes. 3/15/2007--Introduced. Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to set forth research and demonstration projections for the prevention, control, and elimination of tuberculosis that shall receive priority from the Secretary of Health and Human Services in awarding research grants for tuberculosis.Requires the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis to make recommendations on the development, revision, and implementation of a national plan to eliminate tuberculosis in the United States. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop new tools for the elimination of tuberculosis. Requires the Federal Tuberculosis Task Force to make recommendations on the development of a national plan for the [...]

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Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that a disability or death of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

Latest Action: 09/30/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes. 6/3/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 - Title I: Health Care Matters - (Sec. 101) Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to repeal a requirement that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs adjust the amounts deducted from payments or allowances made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for beneficiary travel expenses in connection with health care whenever the payment or allowance is adjusted. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of travel reimbursement, to use the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately owned vehicles by government employees on official business. Authorizes the Secretary to use a rate in excess of such rate, subject [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Wear Red Day.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Wear Red Day.

Encourages: (1) Americans nationwide to wear red on that day to show support for women's heart disease awareness; (2) all American women to embrace the goals of The Heart Truth campaign and take action to modify, prevent, and control their risk factors for heart disease; and (3) all Americans to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, develop good eating habits, avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol, and have regular checkups to take advantage of screenings that can detect heart disease-related problems early.

Reaffirms our nation's commitment to fighting heart disease by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, and prevention and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment.

Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month.

2/28/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

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

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of American Heart Month.

Reaffirms our nation's commitment to fighting heart disease by promoting awareness about its causes, risks, and prevention and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment.

Encourages every American to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight, develop good eating habits, avoid tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol, and have regular checkups to take advantage of screenings that can detect heart-disease related problems early.

Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To direct the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to designate New Jersey Task Force 1 as part of the National Urban Search and Rescue System.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to designate New Jersey Task Force 1 as part of the National Urban Search and Rescue System.

Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month, and for other purposes. 4/25/2007--Introduced. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) President Bush's Commission on Mental Health, including funding of it's 2003 findings that the failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy.Recognizes that mental well-being is equally as important as physical well-being and must be treated with parity to other illnesses. Applauds the new coalescing of national and community organizations and their work in promoting public awareness to reduce the stigma of mental health treatment and in providing critical information to support the people and families of those dealing with mental illness.Urges all organizations and health practitioners to promote information to reduce and eliminate stigma and to focus on mental well-being awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for [...]

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

Bill Text
A bill to establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the Act, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize a tribal organization to establish a boxing commission to regulate professional boxing matches held on Indian land; and (2) provide that its provisions shall apply to professional boxing matches held on tribal lands to the same extent and in the same way as they apply to such matches held in any state. Requires health and safety standards and licensing requirements for matches to be at least as restrictive as: (1) standards and requirements in the state in which the Indian land is located; or (2) the guidelines established [...]

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

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to create a presumption that disability of a Federal employee in fire protection activities caused by certain conditions is presumed to result from the performance of such employee's duty.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to provide that, with regard to an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7153)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that victims of public health emergencies have meaningful and immediate access to medically necessary health care services. 7/23/2008--Introduced. Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region. Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time. Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting [...]

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Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that victims of public health emergencies have meaningful and immediate access to medically necessary health care services. 7/22/2008--Introduced. Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to activate the coverage of short-term emergency health care services if the Secretary determines that there is a public health emergency. Sets forth factors for the Secretary to consider, including the degree to which the emergency is likely to overwhelm health care providers in the region.Requires the Secretary to establish a medical monitoring program for monitoring and reporting on the health care needs of the affected population over time.Limits eligibility for coverage of emergency health care services to: (1) uninsured or underinsured emergency victims who need health care services due to injuries or disease resulting from the [...]

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Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To provide for retirement equity for Federal employees in nonforeign areas outside the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6081; text as passed Senate: CR S6081-6082; text of measure as introduced: CR S6025)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the tragic events following the tornado that hit the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008.

6/24/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

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

Expresses condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives following the tornado that hit the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008: Sam Thomsen, Josh Fennen, Ben Petrzilka, and Aaron Eilerts. Shares thoughts and prayers for a full recovery for those who were injured.

Commends the Boy Scouts of America for the support the organization has provided to the families and friends of those lost and injured. Extends thanks to those who took quick action to provide aid and comfort to the victims.

Latest Action: 07/15/2008 - Vetoed by President.

Bill Text
To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program, to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, to enhance low-income benefit programs, and to maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on June 24, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - Title I: Medicare - Subtitle A: Beneficiary Improvements - Part 1: Prevention, Mental Health, and Marketing - (Sec. 101) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, to cover additional preventive services. Includes body mass index and end-of-life planning among initial [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to recruit and retain nurses and other critical health-care professionals, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to appoint personnel for health care positions within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) not specifically listed as authorized categories for appointment, as long as the Secretary provides prior notification to the congressional veterans' committees and the Office of Management and Budget. Requires newly-appointed nurses to serve a probationary period. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) appoint nurse assistants; and (2) waive required pay offsets for federal annuitants reemployed in VA health care positions. Sets the minimum rate of basic pay for appointees to certain positions in the Office of the [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Ensuring access to affordable and quality health care without exacerbating the Federal budget or contributing to market inflation while providing greater choices for consumers. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Calls for the following principles for a market-based approach to be included in any health care bill considered by the 110th Congress: (1) the ability to receive point-of-service health care in preventative, emergency, and rehabilitative settings in rural and urban areas; (2) refundable tax credits for the purchase of health insurance by low-income recipients, combined with laws that permit association and small business health plans; (3) medical liability reform; (4) safe and effective health service with measurable results through health information technology; (5) building new incentives into health plans to encourage wellness and prevention and to provide incentives for people to make smart choices involving their health, health care, and health insurance coverage; and (6) [...]

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Latest Action: 05/16/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Expressing support for designation of the week beginning May 11, 2008, as "National Nursing Home Week".

5/15/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for the designation of a National Nursing Home Week.

Recognizes that a majority of people in the United States will require long-term services at some point.

Honors nursing home residents and the people who care for them.

Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to prevent and cure diabetes and to promote and improve the care of individuals with diabetes for the reduction of health disparities within racial and ethnic minority groups, including the African-American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. 5/6/2008--Introduced. Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations.Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused [...]

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