Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A joint resolution directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean. 6/3/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Declares that: (1) the United States should initiate discussions to negotiate international agreements for managing migratory, transboundary, and straddling fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean and establishing new international fisheries management organizations for the region; (2) such agreements should conform with the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and contain mechanisms for establishing elements necessary for sustaining future Arctic fish stocks; (3) as international fisheries agreements are negotiated and implemented, the United [...]

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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 make funds available for Pacific Salmon emergency disaster assistance.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Pacific Salmon Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2007 - Appropriates funds for a lump sum payment to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. Requires the Commission to distribute the funds among various entities for assistance for the economic and social effects of the commercial fishery failure designated under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act regarding closures or restrictions on harvesting of Klamath River Fall Chinook salmon.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Star Print ordered on the concurrent resolution.

Bill Text
Encouraging the elimination of harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to overcapacity in commercial fishing fleets worldwide and that lead to the overfishing of global fish stocks.

6/5/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Declares that the United States should continue to promote the elimination of harmful fishing subsidies that lead to overcapitalization, overfishing, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.

Latest Action: 02/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1463, H1469)

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to extend the Act through FY2013.

Revises requirements regarding the merchantable material contracting pilot program.

Requires counties participating in county projects to submit a specified notification for each project for which the participating county obligated county funds. Provides for the review of such notifications.

Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To establish a national policy for our oceans, to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a national and regional ocean governance structure, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Establishes a national policy to protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems and requires that federal agencies administer U.S. policies and laws accordingly. Allows more stringent federal and state requirements. States that there shall be an agency known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), declares that Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (concerning NOAA) shall have no further force or effect, and sets forth NOAA's mission and functions. (Reestablishes NOAA and requires a reorganization plan.) Creates an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and makes that person the Administrator of NOAA. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 03/21/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3532-3533)

Bill Text
A resolution urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt.

3/21/2007--Introduced.

Urges the government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt that opened in the waters off the east coast of Canada on November 15, 2006.

Latest Action: 03/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3630)

Bill Text
A resolution urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt.

3/22/2007--Introduced.

Urges the government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt that opened in the waters off the east coast of Canada on November 15, 2006.

Latest Action: 02/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To make funds available for Pacific Salmon emergency disaster assistance.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Pacific Salmon Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2007 - Appropriates funds for a lump sum payment to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. Requires the Commission to distribute the funds among various entities for assistance for the economic and social effects of the commercial fishery failure designated under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act regarding closures or restrictions on harvesting of Klamath River Fall Chinook salmon.

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

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in the rehabilitation of the Wallowa Lake Dam in Oregon, and for other purposes. 2/16/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation and Water Management Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide grants to, or enter into cooperative or other agreements with, tribal, state, and local governmental entities and the Associated Ditch Companies, Incorporated (ADC) (nonprofit corporation that operates the Wallowa Lake Dam) to plan, design, and construct facilities needed to implement the Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation Program. Directs the Secretary, as a condition of providing funds, to ensure that: (1) the Rehabilitation Program and any activities under this Act meet the standards of the dam safety program of Oregon; (2) ADC agrees to assume liability for any work performed [...]

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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 for the modification of an amendatory repayment contract between the Secretary of the Interior and the North Unit Irrigation District, 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 of that version is repeated here.)

North Unit Irrigation District Act of 2007 - Modifies a repayment contract between the Secretary of the Interior and the North Unit Irrigation District, Oregon. Permits the District to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects authorized by Oregon law. Authorizes the Secretary to renegotiate in the future such contract terms as the District directors determine to be necessary, only upon the written request of the District directors and the consent of the Commissioner of Reclamation.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--Introduced. Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 07/08/2008 - Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 742.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, for which certain facilities must report information regarding fossil fuels and GHGs produced and consumed; and (2) specified quantities of GHG emission allowances, which decline for each of 2012 to 2050. Requires the Administrator to establish a GHG emission allowance transfer system for the following: (1) facilities that use more than 5,000 tons of coal in a year; (2) facilities in the natural gas sector; (3) facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal-based fuel the combustion of which will emit group I GHGs; (4) facilities that produce or entities that import, in any year, more than [...]

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Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-469.

Bill Text
A bill to establish uniform administrative and enforcement procedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Introduced. International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce specified laws concerning fisheries and fish products, including the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and any other similar law designated by the Secretary. Sets civil and criminal penalties for violations. Revises specified Acts regarding one or more of the following: (1) enforcement of those Acts under this Act; (2) false labeling or identification of fish or fish products;[...]

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Latest Action: 04/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To amend the Act entitled "An Act authorizing associations of producers of aquatic products" to include persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boats or recreational fishermen, and for other purposes.

4/17/2008--Introduced.

Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2008 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.

Latest Action: 04/15/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3031)

Bill Text
A bill to permit qualified withdrawals from a capital construction fund account under chapter 535 of title 46, United States Code, for gear or equipment required for fishery conservation or safety of life at sea without regard to the minimum cost requirement established by regulation.

4/15/2008--Introduced.

Fisheries Capital Construction Fund Enhancement Act of 2008 - Adds withdrawals for the acquisition of gear or equipment required for safety of life at sea or to comply with conservation measures within a fishery to the list of qualified withdrawals from a vessel capital construction fund. Declares that specified capital acquisition, construction, or reconstruction minimum cost requirements do not apply to withdrawals for such purposes.

Latest Action: 07/09/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks. 7/8/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Shark Conservation Act of 2008 - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to list a nation in the biennial report on international compliance if the nation's fishing vessels are or have been engaged in fishing activities that target or incidentally catch sharks and the nation has not adopted a shark conservation program that is comparable, taking into account different conditions, to that of the United States, including measures to prohibit removal any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) and discarding the carcass of the shark at sea. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it a prohibited act to: (1) remove any shark [...]

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Latest Action: 04/02/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2358)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Act entitled "An Act authorizing associations of producers of aquatic products" to include persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boats or recreational fishermen, and for other purposes.

4/2/2008--Introduced.

Charter and Recreational Fishing Collective Marketing Act of 2008 - Authorizes persons engaged in the fishery industry as charter boat or recreational fishermen catching aquatic products to act together in associations in collectively catching, producing, and marketing such aquatic products, including implementing a vessel capacity reduction program, improving the operational and economic efficiency of a fishery, undertaking research, and improving the conservation and management of a fishery resource.

Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the exploration, leasing, development, production, and economically feasible and prudent transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain in Alaska. 3/13/2008--Introduced. American Energy Independence and Security Act of 2008 - Authorizes the exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain in Alaska. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production in the Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. States that, in connection with specified environmental protection laws, the Secretary shall not be required to: (1) identify nonleasing alternative courses of action; or (2) analyze the environmental effects of those actions. Authorizes [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 - Title I: Forest Service Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Designates certain lands in the Skykomish River Valley, Washington, as the Wild Sky Wilderness, to be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to establish a trail plan. Authorizes the use of helicopter access to construct and maintain a joint [...]

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