Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/02/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the Nation. 10/24/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Data Improvement Act - (Sec. 3) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) revise the definitions of advanced telecommunications capability, or broadband; (2) identify tiers of broadband service in which most connections can reliably transmit full-motion, high definition video; and (3) revise certain provider reporting requirements to enable the FCC to identify actual numbers of broadband connections by customer type and geographic area. Requires the FCC to determine certain demographic data for geographical areas that are not served by any provider of advanced telecommunications capability. Requires expansion of the American Community Survey to elicit [...]

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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
To require the establishment of customer service standards for Federal agencies. 7/23/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop: (1) performance measures to determine whether federal agencies are providing high quality customer service; and (2) standards to be met by federal agencies to provide high quality customer service. Requires the head of each agency to: (1) collect information from its customers regarding the quality of its of customer services; and (2) include this information in its performance report to the President and Congress. Requires the Director to report annually on the success of federal agencies in meeting the customer service performance measures and standards.Requires the head of each agency to designate an employee as its customer relations representative to be responsible [...]

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Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H10796)

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To reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections in correctional facilities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Justice for the Unprotected Against Sexually Transmitted Infections among the Confined and Exposed Act of 2007 or the JUSTICE Act of 2007 - Requires the Attorney General to direct the Bureau of Prisons to allow community organizations to distribute sexual barrier protection devices (e.g., condoms) and to engage in sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling and prevention education in federal correctional facilities. Prohibits a federal correctional facility from taking adverse action against a prisoner who possesses or uses a sexual barrier protection device.Expresses the sense of Congress that states should allow for the legal distribution of sexual barrier protection devices in their correctional facilities. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a survey of all educational, testing, and other programs in federal and state [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Universal Service for Americans Act or USA Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require each communications service provider to contribute to support universal service (the provision of communications service in rural, insular, and high-cost areas), subject to exemptions. Modifies requirements regarding interconnection and rural telephone companies. Imposes on facilities-based IP-enabled voice service providers the same rights, duties, and obligations as a requesting telecommunications carrier if the provider elects to assert those rights. Prohibits a carrier from refusing to transport or terminate IP-enabled voice traffic solely because it is IP-enabled and prohibits a provider originating, transmitting, or terminating IP-enabled voice traffic from being exempted from paying compensation for interstate traffic solely because the [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To repeal the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Business Checking Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends federal law to authorize interest-bearing or dividend-bearing transaction accounts for all businesses, permitting up to 24 transfers per month to another account of the owner in the same institution. Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Home Owners' Loan Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to repeal the prohibition against the payment of interest on demand deposits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Board to survey biennially and report biennially to Congress on bank fees and certain services. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, to repeal certain reporting requirements. Cites practices which shall not be treated as payment or receipt of interest [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

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A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the United States Geological Survey, to conduct a study on groundwater resources in the State of Alaska, and for other purposes. 2/16/2007--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.) Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to conduct and report to Congress on a study that includes: (1) a survey of accessible water supplies, including aquifers, on the Kenai Peninsula in the municipality of Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna borough, the city of Fairbanks, and the Fairbanks Northstar borough; (2) a survey of water treatment needs and technologies applicable to [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Bill Text
To establish an interagency committee to coordinate Federal manufacturing research and development efforts in manufacturing, strengthen existing programs to assist manufacturing innovation and education, and expand outreach programs for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and for other purposes. 1/5/2007--Introduced. Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Directs the President to establish or designate an Interagency Committee to plan and coordinate Federal efforts in manufacturing research and development, with an Advisory Committee from the non-Federal sector. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NIST Act) to establish: (1) a pilot program of collaborative manufacturing research grants; (2) manufacturing sciences research fellowships; (3) manufacturing extension center competitive grants; and (4) standards education grants to develop higher education curricula on the role of standards in engineering, business, science,[...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to provide assistance to the State of New Mexico for the development of comprehensive State water plans, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--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.) New Mexico Water Planning Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, at the request of the governor of New Mexico and acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey, to: (1) provide to New Mexico technical assistance and grants for the development of comprehensive state water plans; (2) conduct water resources mapping in New Mexico; and (3) conduct a comprehensive study of groundwater resources in New Mexico to assess the quantity, quality, and interaction of groundwater and surface water resources. Lists types of technical assistance that may be provided, including [...]

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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1425-1426)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a National Foreign Language Coordination Council. 1/31/2007--Introduced. National Foreign Language Coordination Act of 2007 - Establishes, in the Executive Office of the President, a National Foreign Language Coordination Council to: (1) oversee and implement the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI); and (2) develop and implement a national foreign language strategy. Includes heads of certain federal agencies as members of the Council. Establishes a National Language Director, to be appointed by the President, to: (1) chair the Council; (2) develop and monitor implementation of the strategy, built upon the efforts of the NSLI; (3) establish formal relationships among major stakeholders, including federal, state, and local government agencies, academia, industry, labor, and heritage communities; and (4) coordinate and lead a public information campaign. Requires the Council to consult with states to provide for designation of state [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/25/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To advance credit union efforts to promote economic growth, modify credit union regulatory standards and reduce burdens, to provide regulatory relief and improve productivity for insured depository institutions, and for other purposes. 6/24/2008--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.) Credit Union, Bank, and Thrift Regulatory Relief Act of 2008 - Title I: Credit Unions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to: (1) permit a credit union to invest in securities for its own account, subject to certain percentage limitations; and (2) increase the investment and lending limit in credit union service organizations from 1% to 3% of a credit union's total paid and unimpaired capital and surplus. (Sec. 103) Excludes credit union loans to nonprofit religious organizations [...]

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Latest Action: 10/06/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes. 5/15/2008--Introduced. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations for use to accelerate the initial operational capability of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle. Requires: (1) a process for transitioning NASA experimental earth science and space weather research into operational services; and (2) a plan for the continuation of Landsat thermal infrared data collection or its equivalent. Reauthorizes the Glory Mission. Requires development of a plan for a Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). Sets [...]

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Latest Action: 04/17/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance with national consensus standards and any barriers to achieving compliance with such standards, and for other purposes.

4/17/2008--Introduced.

Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct a survey of and report to Congress on the compliance of fire departments in the United States with national consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness relating to fire department operations and firefighting practices; and (2) establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety to develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing compliance with such standards and to consider ways in which the federal government, states, and local governments can promote, encourage, or require compliance.

Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for National Science Foundation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration utilization of the Arecibo Observatory.

4/15/2008--Introduced.

Instructs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) ensure that the Arecibo Observatory, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is fully funded to continue its research on Earth's ionosphere, its research in radio astronomy, and research on the solar system; and (2) coordinate with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that the capabilities of the Arecibo Observatory continue to be available for NASA research in characterizing and mitigating Near Earth Objects, and other research as needed.

Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a survey to determine the level of compliance with national consensus standards and any barriers to achieving compliance with such standards, and for other purposes.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct a survey of and report to Congress on the compliance of fire departments in the United States with national consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness; and (2) establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety to develop a plan to enhance firefighter safety by increasing compliance with such standards and to consider ways in which the federal government, states, and localities can promote, encourage, or require compliance.

Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Referred to House Energy and Commerce

Bill Text
To direct each Federal agency to establish an Environmental Justice Office, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Environmental Justice Access and Implementation Act of 2007 - Requires specified federal agencies to establish an Office of Environmental Justice pursuant to Executive Order 12898 (concerning federal actions to address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations).Defines "environmental justice" as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, educational level, or income in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Requires the inclusion of minority and low-income populations with health vulnerabilities and exposure to certain environmental conditions in criteria for defining an environmental justice community. Requires federal agencies to integrate the environmental justice strategy developed under Executive [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To establish a grant to increase enforcement of laws to prohibit underage drinking through social sources, to improve reporting of Federal underage drinking data, to establish grants to increase parental involvement in school-based efforts to reduce underage drinking, and for other purposes. 12/11/2007--Introduced. Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) understanding which programs are effective in reducing underage drinking will maximize scarce federal resources and help confront underage drinking in a more effective, cost-efficient manner; (2) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration should explore ways to expand and improve evaluation efforts; and (3) federal agencies should strive to evaluate all federally funded underage drinking programs and modify programs as needed to reach maximum effectiveness.Requires the Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs to award grants to [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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

Bill Text
To establish a grant to increase enforcement of laws to prohibit underage drinking through social sources, to improve reporting of Federal underage drinking data, to establish grants to increase parental involvement in school-based efforts to reduce underage drinking, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Underage Drinking Prevention Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) understanding which programs are effective in reducing underage drinking will maximize scarce federal resources and help confront underage drinking in a more effective, cost-efficient manner; (2) the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration should explore ways to expand and improve evaluation efforts; and (3) federal agencies should strive to evaluate all federally funded underage drinking programs and modify programs as needed to reach maximum effectiveness.Requires the Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs to award grants to [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To reduce sexual assault and domestic violence involving members of the Armed Forces and their family members and partners through enhanced programs of prevention and deterrence, enhanced programs of victims services, and strengthened provisions for prosecution of assailants, and for other purposes. 10/29/2007--Introduced. Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office, to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide for a victims' advocates program within each military department. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service, and for other purposes. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Broadband Census of America Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct an annual assessment and report to the public on the nature and deployment of, and subscription to, broadband service capab