Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - H.AMDT.1098 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. George Miller. (consideration: CR H5959-5961; text: CR H5959) Amendment makes changes to the definition of "covered program". It expands the definition to include public residential programs; strikes the exclus

Bill Text
To require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one not operated by a governmental entity that for children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders, or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to require each [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes. 6/25/2008--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.) Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one not operated by a public or private entity that with respect to one or more children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation that increase school readiness, child abuse and neglect prevention, and early identification of developmental and health delays, including potential mental health concerns, and for other purposes. 5/16/2007--Introduced. Education Begins at Home Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) allot grants to states, Indians, territories, and possessions for programs of early childhood home visitation; and (2) make competitive grants to local educational agencies and other eligible applicants for early home visitation for families with English language learners. Directs the Secretary of Defense to make competitive grants to eligible applicants for early home visitation for military families. Amends the Head Start Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to establish standards for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs with respect to their training, qualifications, and conduct of home [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the global use of child soldiers is unacceptable and that the international community should find remedies end this practice.

2/27/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the global use of child soldiers is unacceptable and that the international community should find remedies to end this practice.

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

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the designation of a National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week, and for other purposes.

1/16/2007--Introduced.

Calls for the establishment of a National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week.

Commends the hospitals, child care councils, schools, and other organizations that are working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children.

Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Mr. Sires moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and encouraging the Government of Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes. 5/1/2007--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 condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to recognize domestic violence and sexual harassment as criminal acts and encourages the government of Guatemala to investigate the killings of women, prosecute those responsible, and eliminate the tolerance of violence against women. Supports efforts to identify perpetrators and unknown victims through forensic [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S111)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a National Center for Social Work Research.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

National Center for Social Work Research Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Social Work Research as an agency of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct, support, and disseminate targeted research on social work methods and outcomes related to problems of significant social concern.

Authorizes the Director of the Center to: (1) provide research training and instruction; (2) establish research traineeships and fellowships; (3) provide stipends and allowances; and (4) make grants to nonprofit institutions to provide such training, instruction, traineeships, and fellowships.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an advisory council for the Center.

Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month.

11/13/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There are 3 other summaries)

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

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) National Courage Month provides an opportunity to educate the people of the United States about the positive role that professional athletes can play as inspirations for America's youth; and (2) the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation should be recognized for its outstanding contributions toward helping those affected by child abuse.

Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
Expressing the support for the enacting of joint custody laws for fit parents, so that more children are raised with the benefits of having a father and a mother in their lives.

10/25/2007--Introduced.

Expresses congressional support for passage by the states of joint custody laws for fit parents, so that more children are raised with the benefit of having a father and a mother in their lives, careful to protect victims of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, as well as children from potential kidnapping by a parent.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To prohibit a convicted sex offender from obtaining approval of immigration petitions filed by the offender on behalf of family members.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Sex Offender Visa Loophole Elimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit a convicted U.S.-citizen sex offender from filing a family-based immigration petition.

Defines "sex offense" and "specified offense against a minor."

Prohibits approval of a fiance/fiancee or waiting nonimmigrant spouse visa petition filed by a convicted sex offender.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes. 6/25/2008--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.) Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one not operated by a public or private entity that with respect to one or more children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - H.AMDT.1098 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. George Miller. (consideration: CR H5959-5961; text: CR H5959) Amendment makes changes to the definition of "covered program". It expands the definition to include public residential programs; strikes the exclus

Bill Text
To require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to require each location of a covered program to meet specified minimum standards if individually or together with other locations it has an effect on interstate commerce. Defines "covered program" as one not operated by a governmental entity that for children unrelated to the program owner or operator: (1) provides a residential environment; and (2) operates with a focus on serving children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems or disorders, or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to require each [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3210)

Bill Text
A resolution designating the third week of April 2008 as "National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week".

4/21/2008--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.)

Designates the third week of April 2008 as National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week.

Commends organizations that are: (1) working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children; (2) educating caregivers on protecting children from injuries caused by abusive shaking; and (3) helping families cope with the challenges of child-rearing and other stresses.

Encourages people to remember the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome and to participate in educational programs to help prevent it.

Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2411)

Bill Text
Expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2008, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to provide attention to the tragic circumstances that face some of our Nation's children on a daily basis and to underscore our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can live in safety and security.

4/16/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses support for the designation of April 2008 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2142)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for Kindergarten Plus programs. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Kindergarten Plus Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states to provide Kindergarten Plus (K+) programs of voluntary full days of kindergarten during the summer before and the summer after their traditional kindergarten school year. Directs the Secretary to ensure, to the extent possible, that each grant is of sufficient size to enable the state to provide K+ to all eligible students served by the local educational agencies (LEAs) within the state with the highest concentrations of eligible students. Makes children eligible to participate in such programs if they are: (1) five-years old or will be eligible to attend kindergarten at the beginning of the next school year; (2) from a family with an income at or below 185% of the poverty line; and (3) not already served by a high-quality program in the summer before or the summer after the child enters [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize additional flexibility to a State with an unemployment rate that is equal to or greater than 125 percent of the national unemployment rate to transfer funds among programs made available to such State by various provisions of that Act, and for other purposes.

12/4/2007--Introduced.

Maximizing the Use of Federal Education Funds for Job Creation Act of 2007 - Authorizes states with unemployment rates that equal or exceed 125% of the national unemployment rate to consolidate or transfer, without limitation, any funds made available to them from specified formula grant programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

Latest Action: 11/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to promote the adoption of children with special needs. 11/6/2007--Introduced. Adoption Equality Act of 2007 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for children with special needs in the adoption assistance program. Requires that the child be in the care of a public or licensed private child placement agency or Indian tribal organization pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement, relinquishment, or involuntary removal of the child from the home, where the state has determined that continuation in the home would be contrary to the child's safety or welfare. Specifies related requirements.Prohibits adoption assistance to parents with respect to a child who is not a U.S. citizen or resident, and who was adopted outside of the United States or brought into the United States for the purposes of being adopted.Expresses the sense of the [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/31/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

Bill Text
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Border Enforcement, Employment Verification, and Illegal Immigration Control Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to: (1) take all appropriate actions, including development of a national border strategy, to maintain operational control over the U.S. international land and maritime borders; (2) report on cross-border security agreements with Mexico and Canada; (3) provide for biometric data enhancements; (4) increase port of entry inspection personnel; (5) report on the airspace security mission's impact on the National Capital Region; (6) reimburse private owners along the border for certain property damage; (7) establish at least one Border Patrol unit for the Virgin Islands; (8) report on Central American gang travel across the U.S.-Mexico border; and (9) deploy radiation portal [...]

show full description
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 [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
Expressing the support for the enacting of joint custody laws for fit parents, so that more children are raised with the benefits of having a father and a mother in their lives.

10/25/2007--Introduced.

Expresses congressional support for passage by the states of joint custody laws for fit parents, so that more children are raised with the benefit of having a father and a mother in their lives, careful to protect victims of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, as well as children from potential kidnapping by a parent.