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Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
Recognizing the efforts and contributions of the members of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the United States Armed Forces during and following World War II who were responsible for the preservation, protection, and restitution of artistic and cultural treasures in countries occupied by the Allied armies.

1/31/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes the men and women who served in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program under the Civil Affairs and Military Government Sections of the U.S. Armed Forces for their heroic role in the preservation, protection, and restitution of monuments, works of art, and other artifacts of inestimable cultural importance in Europe and Asia during and following World War II.

Latest Action: 02/17/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

2/16/2007--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.)

States that: (1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are serving or who have served honorably in Iraq; and (2) Congress disapproves of President George W. Bush's decision announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq.

Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Committee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
Disagreeing with the plan announced by the President on January 10, 2007, to increase by more than 20,000 the number of United States combat troops in Iraq, and urging the President instead to consider options and alternatives for achieving success in Iraq. 2/14/2007--Introduced. States that Congress disagrees with the plan announced by the President on January 10, 2007, to increase by more than 20,000 the number of U.S. combat troops in Iraq and urges the President to consider the options set forth in this resolution. States that Congress believes that: (1) the military rules of engagement must allow maximum opportunity for U.S. and coalition forces to pursue the enemy in Iraq; (2) U.S. Armed Forces fighting insurgents and al Qaida terrorists in Al Anbar Province need to be reinforced as determined by military commanders; (3) the Iraq reconstruction effort must focus on projects with a small security footprint; (4) one person in Iraq must have absolute authority and [...]

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Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11158)

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States should submit to the Government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by not later than September 1, 2007.

3/22/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government should submit to the government of Iraq a draft bilateral status-of-forces agreement by September 1, 2007; and (2) such agreement should address the sovereign rights of Iraq, the legal status of U.S. personnel in Iraq, and establish primacy and coordinative mechanisms respecting investigations and operations involving U.S. and Iraqi military and civilian police forces.

Latest Action: 09/29/2007 - Signed by President.

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Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 9/29/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 26, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Makes continuing appropriations for FY2008. (Sec. 101) Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2007 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007 (division A of Public Law 109-289); (2) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295); and (3) the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (division B of Public Law 109-289, as amended by Public Law 110-5). (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of appropriations, funds, or authority granted under this joint resolution for the Department [...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that an increase in number of members of the United States Forces deployed in Iraq is the wrong course of action and that a drastic shift in the political and diplomatic strategy of the United States is needed to help secure and stabilize Iraq.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) after more than 3,000 American casualties, over $300 billion in expenditures, and almost four years of fighting, an increase in the number of members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Iraq is the wrong course of action and should not be done without an express authorization for the increase in an Act of Congress; and (2) a drastic shift in U.S. political and diplomatic strategy, as well as the mission of the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq, is needed to secure and stabilize Iraq so that a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops can begin as soon as possible.

Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1381-1382)

Bill Text
Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Requires: (1) the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to report quarterly to Congress respecting the expenditures of military and reconstruction funds in Iraq, including efforts to obtain assistance from other countries and an assessment of future funding needs; (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit if either Inspector General fails to submit such report; and (3) the imposition of sanctions against contractors who have engaged in profiteering or fraud. States that: (1) Congress should create a Truman Committee to conduct an ongoing study and investigation of Operation Iraqi Freedom contracts; (2) funding requests for Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning with FY2008 must come through the regular appropriations process and not through emergency supplementals; and (3) the Administration should condition [...]

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Latest Action: 02/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2216-2217)

Bill Text
A joint resolution to specify an expiration date for the authorization of use of military force under the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 and to authorize the continuing presence of United States forces in Iraq after that date for certain military operations and activities.

2/17/2007--Introduced.

States that the authority conveyed by the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243) shall expire on December 31, 2007, unless otherwise provided in another enacted Joint Resolution.

Permits the post-December 31, 2007, presence of U.S. Armed Forces personnel in Iraq for: (1) training, equipping, and advising Iraqi security and police forces; (2) U.S. military and civilian force protection; (3) support of Iraqi security forces for border protection; (4) targeted counter-terrorism operations against al Qaeda and foreign fighters within Iraq; and (5) related logistical support.

Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3162-3287)

Bill Text
A joint resolution to revise United States policy on Iraq. 3/8/2007--Introduced. United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 - Directs the President to begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq within 120 days of enactment of this joint resolution with the goal of redeploying by March 31, 2008, all U.S. combat forces from Iraq, except for a limited number essential for protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure, training and equipping Iraqi forces, and conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations. Requires the President to transition the U.S. forces' mission in Iraq promptly to such purposes. States that such redeployment shall be implemented as part of a diplomatic, political, and economic strategy that includes sustained engagement with Iraq's neighbors and the international community in order to bring stability to Iraq. Directs the President, not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act and every 90 days [...]

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Latest Action: 05/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6962-6963)

Bill Text
A joint resolution to revise United States policy on Iraq. 5/25/2007--Introduced. United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 - Repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243). Authorizes the President to continue participation by U.S. Armed Forces in Multi-National Force--Iraq, or as part of a successor force, for the purposes of: (1) protecting U.S. and coalition personnel and infrastructure; (2) training, equipping, and providing logistical support to Iraqi security forces; (3) conducting targeted counter-terrorism operations; and (4) assisting the government of Iraq maintain border security. States that such authorization shall expire 12 months after the date of enactment of this joint resolution unless extended by Congress. Directs the President to: (1) promptly transition the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq to such purposes; and (2) begin the phased redeployment of U.S. forces from Iraq not later than [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7973)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the strategic success of the troop surge in Iraq and expressing gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who made that success possible.
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: 06/09/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5394)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution congratulating the Republic of Latvia on the 90th anniversary of its declaration of independence.

6/9/2008--Introduced.

Congratulates the people of Latvia on the 90th anniversary of Latvia's November 18, 1918, declaration of independence.

Commends the government of Latvia for its success in implementing political and economic reforms, for establishing political, religious and economic freedom, and for its commitment to human and civil rights.

Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to urge the government of the Russian Federation to acknowledge that the Soviet occupation of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and for the succeeding 51 years was illegal.

Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee

Bill Text
To restore to the Department of State responsibility over the Police Training Teams being used to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service, to require the Department of State to provide the majority of members for the Police Training Teams, and for other purposes. 6/4/2008--Introduced. Iraqi Police Service Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to assume responsibility from the Department of Defense (DOD) over the Police Training Teams being used in Iraq to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service; (2) the Secretary to ensure that a majority of the members of each Police Training Team consists of qualified civilian advisors, including Department of State employees and contractor employees; and (3) the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a statement of understanding on command structure, including the responsibilities of [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To delay any presumption of death in connection with the kidnapping in Iraq or Afghanistan of a retired member of the Armed Forces to ensure the continued payment of the member's retired pay. 5/22/2008--Introduced. PROTECT Act or Protecting the Retirement of Our Troops by Ensuring Compensation is Timely Act - Prohibits the Secretary of a military department, regarding a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan who the Secretary of State has determined was kidnapped in Iraq or Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, from making a determination that the participant is missing, with the presumption of death, until the earlier of: (1) at least seven years after the Secretary of State's determination; or (2) the date on which the participant is confirmed dead. Directs the Secretary of a military department, regarding such a participant who was presumed to be dead before enactment of this Act, to pay retired pay for periods before and after enactment of this Act until one [...]

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Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Levin. Without written report.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 5/12/2008--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.) Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for defense-wide procurement. Subtitle B: Army Programs [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S7983, S7984-7987)

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 5/12/2008--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.) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations [...]

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Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To provide for an evaluation factor for defense contractors employing or subcontracting with recipients of certain special immigrant visas. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Defines, for this Act: (1) "covered contract" as a Department of Defense (DOD) procurement contract in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom regarding which proficiency in Arabic or knowledge of Iraq is useful; and (2) "covered special immigrant visa" as a visa issued under specified provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (relating to special immigrant status for certain Iraqis) or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (relating to special immigrant status for persons serving as translators with the U.S. Armed Forces). Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in evaluating any bid or proposal for a covered contract, to use as an evaluation factor whether an entity intends to carry out the contract using an employee or individual subcontractor [...]

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