Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/26/2008 - Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response Discharged.

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To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to first responders, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Smarter Funding for All of America's Homeland Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to states and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a state or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to evaluate and prioritize grant applications, considering factors such as threats to the population, specific economic sectors, major communications nodes and transportation systems, specific elements of the food supply, the water and energy supplies, civic infrastructure and emergency response capabilities,[...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

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A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the alcohol credit and the alternative fuel credit, to amend the Clean Air Act to promote the installation of fuel pumps for E-85 fuel, to amend title 49 of the United States Code to require the manufacture of dual fueled automobiles, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. National Fuels Initiative - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alcohol fuels tax credit and the alternative fuel tax credit by calculating such rates based on a formula related to the average price of a barrel of oil. Sets tax credit rates for alcohol fuels, qualified alcohol fuel mixtures, and alternative fuels sold or used before January 1, 2011. Extends such credits. Sets forth sunset provisions terminating the small ethanol producer tax credit. Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations to ensure that each major oil company that sells gasoline in the United States through [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7494; text as passed Senate: CR S7494)

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A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-United States dialogue and relationship. 6/11/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries should continue implementing the ASEAN-United States Enhanced Partnership; (2) should proceed with appointing a United States Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs; (3) should work with the ASEAN countries in developing a regional energy strategy; (4) should provide greater support toward encouraging students from ASEAN countries to study in the United States and American students to study in ASEAN countries; and (5) should continue to support the work of multilateral financial institutions assisting the ASEAN countries.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7065-7068)

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Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States, in collaboration with other international allies, should establish an energy project with the magnitude, creativity, and sense of urgency that was incorporated in the "Man on the Moon" project address the inevitable challenges of "Peak Oil".

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States: (1) must move rapidly to increase the productivity with which it uses fossil fuel, and to accelerate the transition to renewable fuels and a sustainable, clean energy economy; and (2) should establish, in collaboration with other international allies, an energy project with the magnitude, creativity, and sense of urgency of the "Man on the Moon" project to develop a comprehensive plan to address the challenges presented by Peak Oil (the peak in the world's oil production believed by some petroleum experts likely to occur in the next decade).

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9-11)

Bill Text
A bill to enhance the security of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and the risks of global warming, and for other purposes.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

National Energy and Environmental Security Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to enhance the security of the United States by reducing its dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and the risks of global warming by: (1) requiring reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases; (2) diversifying and expanding the use of secure, efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy supplies and technologies; (3) reducing the burdens on consumers of rising energy prices; (4) eliminating tax giveaways to large energy companies; and (5) preventing energy price gouging, profiteering, and market manipulation.

Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Conference papers: Senate report and manager's statement and message on House action held at the desk in Senate.

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An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012. 5/16/2007--Conference report filed in House.    (There are 4 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2007 and FY2009-FY2012. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2007-FY2012, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security and specified major functional categories for FY2007-FY2012. Title II: Budget Process [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S127-128)

Bill Text
A bill to promote the national security and stability of the economy of the United States by reducing the dependence of the United States on oil through the use of alternative fuels and new technology, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. American Fuels Act of 2007 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Energy Security to oversee all federal energy security programs, including coordination of all federal agency efforts to assist the United States in achieving full energy independence. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) a tax credit, against both ordinary and alternative minimum tax, for production of qualified flexible fuel motor vehicles; and (2) an alternative fuel retail sales credit. Amends the Clayton Act and the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit restrictions on the installation of alternative fuel pumps within fuel franchise documents. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator [...]

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Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden without amendment. With written report No. 110-54.

Bill Text
A bill to increase cooperation on energy issues between the United States Government and foreign governments and entities in order to secure the strategic and economic interests of the United States, and for other purposes. 4/12/2007--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.) Energy Diplomacy and Security Act of 2007 - Defines "major energy producer" and "major energy consumer." Expresses the sense of Congress respecting energy diplomacy and security. States that the Secretary of State should seek immediately to establish: (1) strategic energy partnerships with the governments of major energy producers and major energy consumers, and with governments of other countries; (2) petroleum crisis response mechanisms with the governments of China and India; [...]

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Latest Action: 03/08/2007 - Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 202 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The amendm

Bill Text
Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress.

3/8/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries)

Sets forth the levels of payment for 110th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, the Budget, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, House Administration, the Judiciary, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, Rules, Science and Technology, Small Business, Standards of Official Conduct, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means, as well as the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Prescribes limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 110th Congress.

Establishes a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and provides funding for it.

Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommitte on Energy and Environment Prior to Introduction and Referral (April 26, 2007).

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy to reduce the amount of energy the United States imports from foreign sources by 20% over the next 10 years. Establishes the Energy Independence Acceleration Fund, administered by the ARPA-E Director for the award of competitive grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia, including federally funded research and development centers, to achieve specified goals through targeted acceleration of: (1) energy-related research; (2) development of resultant techniques, processes, and technologies, and related testing and evaluation; and (3) demonstration and commercial application of the most promising technologies and research applications. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures and criteria for recoupment [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9437)

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A resolution designating October 3, 2008, as "National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day".

9/18/2008--Introduced.

Designates October 3, 2008, as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day to promote programs and activities that will lead to the greater use of cleaner, more efficient transportation that uses new sources of energy.

Urges Americans to: (1) increase the personal and commercial use of, and promote public sector adoption of, cleaner and energy-efficient alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles; and (2) encourage the enactment of federal policies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil through the advancement and adoption of alternative, advanced, and emerging vehicle and fuel technologies.

Latest Action: 11/18/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1118 under authority of the order of the Senate of 11/17/2008.

Bill Text
To advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes. 9/15/2008--Introduced. Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits oil and gas preleasing or leasing of any area of the Outer Continental Shelf that was not available for oil and gas leasing as of July 1, 2008, unless that action is expressly authorized by this Act or a statute enacted by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7976)

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A resolution recognizing the benefits of transportation improvements along the United States Route 36 corridor to communities, individuals, and businesses in Colorado.

7/31/2008--Introduced.

Commends members of the Mayors and Commissioners Coalition, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation District, and the businesses that support 36 Commuting Solutions (a nonprofit organization) for their efforts to proceed with the U.S. Route 36 Corridor project.

Recognizes the benefits of investing in transportation improvements along U.S. Route 36 Corridor, throughout Colorado and elsewhere.

Supports federal transportation investments along U.S. 36 Corridor, throughout Colorado, and elsewhere that reduce congestion, reduce carbon emissions, improve mobility, improve access to transit for for bicyclists and pedestrians, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and support mass transit.

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Bill Text
Recognizing the benefits of bus rapid transit and the transportation improvements along the United States Route 36 Corridor to communities, individuals, and businesses in Colorado.

7/31/2008--Introduced.

Commends members of the Mayors and Commissioners Coalition, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation District, and the businesses that support 36 Commuting Solutions (a nonprofit organization) for their efforts to proceed with the U.S. Route 36 Corridor project.

Recognizes the benefits of investing in bus rapid transit and transportation improvements along U.S. Route 36 Corridor, throughout Colorado and elsewhere.

Supports federal transportation investments along U.S. 36 Corridor, throughout Colorado, and elsewhere that reduce congestion, reduce carbon emissions, improve mobility, improve access to transit for for bicyclists and pedestrians, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and support mass transit.

Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish an award program to honor achievements in nanotechnology, and for other purposes. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Nanotechnology Innovation and Prize Competition Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to award prizes to eligible persons for achievement in one or more applications of nanotechnology for: (1) improvement of the environment, consistent with Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) development of alternative energy that has the potential to lessen the dependence of the United States on fossil fuels; (3) improvement of human health, consistent with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (4) development of consumer products; and (5) advancement in the field of nanoelectronics. Describes an eligible person as an individual who is: (1) a citizen or legal resident of the United States; (2) a member of a group that [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Bill Text
To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues.

7/23/2008--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.)

National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select).

Bill Text
To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs.

7/16/2008--Introduced.

Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6870-6871)

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish an award program to honor achievements in nanotechnology, and for other purposes. 7/16/2008--Introduced. Nanotechnology Innovation and Prize Competition Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to award prizes to eligible persons for achievement in one or more applications of nanotechnology for: (1) improvement of the environment, consistent with Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) development of alternative energy that has the potential to lessen the dependence of the United States on fossil fuels; (3) improvement of human health, consistent with regulations promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and (4) development of consumer products. Describes an eligible person as an individual who is: (1) a citizen or legal resident of the United States; (2) a member of a group that includes U.S. citizens or legal residents;[...]

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Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of t

Bill Text
To provide for a study of measures to achieve energy independence for the United States without adversely affecting the environment.

7/14/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of what measures the United States can take, including what research needs to be undertaken, in order to achieve energy independence without adversely affecting the environment.

Requires a report to Congress on the results of the study.

Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill Text
A bill to promote energy production and security in the United States, and for other purposes.

7/10/2008--Introduced.

Better Energy Strategy for Tomorrow Act of 2008, or the BEST Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Energy each year to: (1) analyze all federal policies that encourage, or have the potential to encourage, energy production in the United States; and (2) report to specified congressional committees recommendations for the adjustment of such policies to reduce the dependence of the United States on foreign sources of energy, air pollutants in the environment, greenhouse gas emissions, and the cost of energy.

Requires the President to develop every four years and report to Congress on an energy security strategy that proposes comprehensive and long-range energy policies to reduce such dependence, air pollutants, emissions, and cost.