Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to require pilot programs on training and certification for family caregiver personal care attendants for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, to require a pilot program on provision of respite care to such veterans and members, and for other purposes.
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.

H.R.4039 Sponsored by John Barrow
Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase, expand the availability of, and repeal the sunset with respect to, the dependent care tax credit.

11/1/2007--Introduced.

Child Care Family Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for expenses for household and dependent care services; and (2) allow an inflation adjustment after 2007 to the adjusted gross income limitation applicable to such credit. Makes such increased tax credit permanent.

S.2267 Sponsored by Amy Klobuchar
Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an income tax credit for eldercare expenses.

10/31/2007--Introduced.

Americans Giving care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow caregivers a tax credit for up to $6,000 of the eldercare expenses incurred for their parents (or ancestors of such parents).

Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to: (1) increase funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program through FY2011; and (2) establish a National Resource Center on Family Caregiving to provide information on and support for family caregiver support programs.

H.R.3993 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To provide for a prohibition on discrimination in employment against certain family members caring for recovering members of the Armed Forces.

10/30/2007--Introduced.

Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks.

Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).

Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13451-13452)

Bill Text
A bill to fight crime. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Crime Control and Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, and other federal laws to establish and reauthorize programs to prevent and control crime. Reauthorizes and expands the program for community-oriented policing services (COPS program). Authorizes the hiring of an additional 1,000 agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in FY2008-FY2012. Authorizes the hiring of additional Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Establishes a National Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to study the role of law enforcement after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) early Head [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction for State and local sales tax, the deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses, the deduction for mortgage interest premiums, and the modifications to the dependent care credit.

10/18/2007--Introduced.

Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deductions for: (1) state and local general sales taxes; (2) mortgage insurance premiums; and (3) qualified tuition and related expenses. Makes permanent provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 that increased dollar limitations on the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses.

H.R.3758 Sponsored by John J. Hall
Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the alternative minimum tax by increasing the exemption amounts and adjusting them for inflation and by making permanent law the allowance of the dependent care credit, the child credit, and the adoption credit against such tax.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Family Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) the increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts and adjust such amounts for inflation after 2008; and (2) make permanent the allowance of the dependent care tax credit, the child tax credit, and the adoption tax credit against the AMT.

S.2121 Sponsored by Robert Menendez
Latest Action: 10/01/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to provide funding and incentives for caregiver support and long-term care assistance.

10/1/2007--Introduced.

Caregiver Assistance and Relief Effort Act of 2007 or the CARE Act of 2007 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to increase and extend, through FY2011, the authorization of appropriations for the national family caregiver support program, including caregiver support programs for Native Americans.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow caregivers a tax credit for family members with long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection provisions to long-term care insurance contracts.

Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To implement recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Healthier Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a single medical examination for members of the Armed Forces to be used by: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical evaluation boards and physical evaluation boards to determine the fitness of a member of the Armed Forces to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating; and (2) the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the disability rating, compensation, and benefits programs for a member who is retired or separated because of physical disability. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide appropriate medical care to any veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom for post-traumatic stress disorder regardless of the length of time the veteran has been separated from active [...]

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Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the exemption for home health care workers from certain provisions of that Act.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Fair Home Health Care Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain home health care workers who are employed on a casual basis from the minimum wage and maximum hour requirements under such Act. Defines employment on a "casual basis" as employment which is irregular or intermittent and does not exceed 20 hours per week in the aggregate.

S.2061 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11657)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain home health workers from the provisions of such Act.

9/18/2007--Introduced.

Fair Home Health Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exempt certain home health care workers who are employed on a casual basis from the minimum wage and maximum hour requirements under such Act. Defines employment on a "casual basis" as employment which is irregular or intermittent and does not exceed 20 hours per week in the aggregate.

Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act to provide an additional 12 weeks of leave for a family member to care for a member of the Armed Forces who is seriously injured in combat.

9/17/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to up to 24 workweeks of leave during any 12-month period to care for a spouse, parent, son, or daughter who is an injured member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious combat-related injury or illness.

H.R.3502 Sponsored by Jerry Moran
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To provide for the prompt implementation of those recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors that require congressional action. 9/7/2007--Introduced. Wounded Warriors Commission Implementation Act of 2007 - Outlines Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) roles with respect to the retirement for disability of members of the Armed Forces (members). Eliminates the 30% required disability rating before a member may be retired for disability. Qualifies each member retired for a disability to a lifetime payment based on the member's rank and years of military service. Authorizes transition payments to members retired due to combat-related injuries. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay annual bonuses to veterans enrolled in approved rehabilitation programs. Directs the Secretary to pay to members retired due to combat-related injuries: (1) quality-of-life payments [...]

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Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To expand family and medical leave in support of servicemembers with combat-related injuries. 9/6/2007--Introduced. Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick leave [...]

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H.R.3409 Sponsored by Ruben Hinojosa
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To create the conditions, structures, and supports needed to ensure permanency for the Nation's unaccompanied youth, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Place to Call Home Act - Amends and reauthorizes the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase funding for the safe and stable families program. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to substance abuse prevention and the treatment performance partnership block grant program. Amends SSA title IV part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) with respect to the curtailment of involuntary separation of children from their families.Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to prohibit the involuntary separation of youth from their families. Provides for: (1) expanded eligibility for foster care and adoption assistance; (2) kinship guardianship assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand family and medical leave for spouses, sons, daughters, and parents of servicemembers with combat-related injuries. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Military Family and Medical Leave Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to up to 26 workweeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for a covered service member who is the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent. Defines covered service member as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, for a serious injury or illness. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, or family leave for any part [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, including efforts to: (1) raise public awareness about Alzheimer's; (2) promote early evaluation, diagnosis, planning, and treatment; and (3) encourage progress toward the development of a national health policy to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and to ensure that people with dementia receive a diagnosis and appropriate care.

Encourages Americans who may be experiencing memory impairment to seek an evaluation and diagnosis.

Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10810-10811)

Bill Text
A bill to expand family and medical leave in support of servicemembers with combat-related injuries. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Support for Injured Servicemembers Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember to a total of 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for the servicemember. Defines covered servicemember as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty on active duty that may render the member medically unfit to perform his or her duties. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, family leave, or medical or sick [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10316-10317)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand family and medical leave for spouses, sons, daughters, and parents of servicemembers with combat-related injuries. 7/30/2007--Introduced. Military Family and Medical Leave Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to up to 26 workweeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for a covered service member who is the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent. Defines covered service member as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, for a serious injury or illness. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, or family leave for [...]

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Latest Action: 07/27/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10190-10191)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide family and medical leave to primary caregivers of servicemembers with combat -related injuries.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

Support for Injured Servicemembers Act of 2007 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to a combined total of 26 workweeks of leave, during any 12-month period, to care for a member of the U.S. Armed Forces with a combat-related injury (servicemember), if such employee is the servicemember's primary caregiver.

Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, or family leave for any part of the 26-week period.

Amends federal civil service law to entitle civilian federal employees to the same leave allowance. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid annual or sick leave for any part of the 26-week period.

S.1885 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to provide certain employment protections for family members who are caring for members of the Armed Forces recovering from illnesses and injuries incurred on active duty.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

Military Family Job Protection Act - Prohibits a covered family member who is caring for a servicemember who is undergoing medical treatment for an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on active military duty from being denied retention in employment, promotion, or any employment benefit by an employer on the basis of the family member's absence from such employment for a period of not more than 52 weeks.

Includes as a covered family member one who, while caring for the recovering servicemember, is: (1) on invitational orders; (2) a non-medical attendee; or (3) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense (DOD).

H.R.3130 Sponsored by Darlene Hooley
Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1597)

Bill Text
To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to provide for enhanced comprehensive methamphetamine treatment services. 7/23/2007--Introduced. Enhanced Methamphetamine Treatment Grants Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to award grants for wraparound services, including medical services, job training service, housing assistance, and training in parenting, for methamphetamine infected individuals who: (1) resided in a residential treatment facility for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse or addiction; or (2) received treatment for methamphetamine abuse or addiction from an intensive outpatient treatment facility. Changes the program for substance abuse for pregnant and postpartum women to a program for treatment of substance abuse for caregiver parents, including pregnant women. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize additional compensation to be paid to certain veterans in receipt of compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for whom a family member dependent on the veteran for support provides care.

7/17/2007--Introduced.

Disabled Veterans' Caregiver Compensation Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay monthly compensation of $234 to a veteran if and while totally disabled and in need of regular aid and attendance and while unpaid aid and attendance is provided by an adult family member who is dependent upon such veteran for support.

Latest Action: 08/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To improve the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in members and former members of the Armed Forces, to review and expand telehealth and telemental health programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 7/16/2007--Introduced. Heroes at Home Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) establish a program on training and certification of family caregivers of veterans and members with traumatic brain injury (TBI); and (2) conduct outreach to enhance awareness of veterans and the public about the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI and the services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with such symptoms. Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to jointly: (1) establish a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using telehealth technology to assess cognitive functioning of members who have sustained [...]

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Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment, and for other purposes. 7/11/2007--Introduced. Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified long-term [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8948-8949)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment, and for other purposes. 7/10/2007--Introduced. Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act or the CLASS Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program (CLASS program) under which: (1) all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment; (2) payroll deductions pay monthly premiums; and (3) two-tiered benefits are provided, based on the level of disability, to purchase nonmedical services and supports that the beneficiary needs to maintain independence. Establishes the Independence Fund within the Treasury. Requires the CLASS program to be treated for tax purposes in the same manner as a qualified [...]

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Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code to double the child tax credit for the first year, to expand the credit dependent care services, to provide relief from the alternative minimum tax, and for other purposes. 6/28/2007--Introduced. Middle Class Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the child tax credit for the first year in which a child is claimed as a qualifying child; (2) expand eligibility for the dependent care tax credit and allow such credit for expenses to care for parents (and ancestors of such parents) not residing with the taxpayer; and (3) provide for an increased alternative minimum tax exemption amount through 2008Replaces the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits with an expanded education tax credit which provides for a 100% education tax credit for qualified tuition and related expenses (including a certain allowance for books) up to $1,000, 50% for such expenses between $1,000 and $3,000, and 20% of such expense [...]

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Latest Action: 07/25/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide for transitional emergency assistance to certain members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are severely injured while serving on active duty, to expand and improve programs for caregiver services for those members and veterans, to require improved screening and care for traumatic brain injury for returning servicemembers and veterans, and for other purposes. 6/25/2007--Introduced. Wounded Heroes' Bill of Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide prompt emergency cash assistance to a member of the Armed Forces or veteran who, on or after September 11, 2001, was or is severely injured while serving on active duty (to be known as a Wounded Hero) and, due to such injury, is undergoing significant financial difficulty. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a business tax credit for employers hiring Wounded Heroes. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide increased protections under such Act for Wounded Heroes and persons [...]

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Latest Action: 07/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to permit leave to care for a same-sex spouse, domestic partner, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, or grandparent who has a serious health condition.

6/20/2007--Introduced.

Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide for employee leave to care for a same-sex spouse as determined under applicable state law, domestic partner, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, or grandparent (as well as for a spouse, child, or parent), if such person has a serious health condition.

Amends federal civil service law to apply the same leave allowance to federal employees.

Latest Action: 07/13/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for 2 programs to authorize the use of leave by caregivers for family members of certain individuals performing military service, and for other purposes. 6/19/2007--Introduced. Military Family Support Act of 2007 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a program to authorize a caregiver (a federal employee at least 21 years of age capable of providing care to a child or other dependent family member of a member of the Armed Forces) to: (1) use any available sick leave for the provision of such care in the same manner as annual leave is used; and (2) use any federal leave available to that caregiver as though that period of caregiving is a medical emergency. Requires the service member: (1) for whom the caregiving is provided to be performing service in support of a contingency operation or in situations for which hostile fire or imminent danger pay is authorized; and (2) to designate the caregiver for his or her family. Terminates [...]

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S.1606 Sponsored by Carl Levin
Latest Action: 07/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9858)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the establishment of a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors in order to facilitate and enhance their care, rehabilitation, physical evaluation, transition from care by the Department of Defense to care by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and transition from military service to civilian life, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act - Title I: Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Servicemembers With Serious Injuries or Illnesses - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Secretaries) to: (1) jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the care and management of members of the Armed Forces (members) who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, are in medical hold or holdover status, or are otherwise on the temporary disability retired [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

5/21/2007--Introduced.

Calls for establishment of a National Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Applauds the actions of those who strive to combat and raise public awareness of brain tumors and brain cancer.

Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces. 5/17/2007--Introduced. Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2007, or Balancing Act of 2007 - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, especially those related to the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and federal civil service law to allow employees covered by FMLA and civil servants to take specified additional leave for: (1) parental involvement in their children's or grandchildren's [...]

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H.R.2343 Sponsored by Danny K. Davis
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

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 [...]

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H.R.2188 Sponsored by Danny K. Davis
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To establish kinship navigator programs, to establish kinship guardianship assistance payments for children, and for other purposes. 5/7/2007--Introduced. Kinship Caregiver Support Act - Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out kinship navigator programs. Amends part E (Federal Payments for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize all states to opt to enter agreements to provide kinship guardianship assistance payments on behalf of children to grandparents and other relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of children for whom they have cared as foster parents and have committed to care for on a permanent basis. Provides that adoptive parents of children with special needs remain eligible for adoption assistance, even if they receive kinship guardianship [...]

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Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E891)

Bill Text
To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure that the District of Columbia and States are provided a safe, lead-free supply of drinking water. 4/30/2007--Introduced. Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and revise the national primary drinking water regulation for lead to provide the maximum feasible protection for individuals affected by lead contamination, particularly vulnerable populations (e.g., infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women). Requires the revised regulation to establish: (1) a maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water as measured at the tap; or (2) a drinking water treatment technique that meets specified criteria. Directs community water systems or nontransient noncommunity water systems to: (1) annually replace a percentage of non-lead free service lines until all such lines are replaced; (2) provide [...]

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H.R.2052 Sponsored by Nita M. Lowey
Latest Action: 04/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To enhance Federal efforts focused on public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome. 4/26/2007--Introduced. Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children. Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based educational [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5088)

Bill Text
A bill to enhance Federal efforts focused on public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome. 4/25/2007--Introduced. Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children. Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based [...]

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S.1183 Sponsored by Tom Harkin
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Kennedy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act – Title I: Paralysis Research - (Sec. 101) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop mechanisms to coordinate NIH paralysis research and rehabilitation activities in order to further advance and avoid duplication of such activities.Authorizes the Director to make grants for the cost of planning, establishing, improving, and providing basic operating support for consortia in paralysis research. Requires the Director to designate each consortium funded as a Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortium. Authorizes such consortia to: (1) conduct basic, translational, and clinical paralysis [...]

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Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4820 text as passed Senate: CR S4820 text of measure as introduced: CR S4816-4817)

Bill Text
A resolution designating the third week of April 2007 as "National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week".

4/20/2007--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 2007 as National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week.

Commends those organizations that are: (1) working to increase awareness of the danger of shaking young children; (2) educating parents and caregivers on how they can help protect children from injuries caused by abusive shaking; and (3) helping families cope with the challenges of child-rearing and other stresses in their lives.

Encourages participation in educational programs to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the amount of additional compensation payable to an employee who is disabled and requires the services of an attendant, and for other purposes.

4/19/2007--Introduced.

Joseph E. Keane Federal Employees Freedom Act - Increases the amount of additional compensation payable to an employee who is disabled and requires the services of an attendant.

H.R.1911 Sponsored by Joe Donnelly
Latest Action: 04/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3564-3565)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the credit for expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment.

4/18/2007--Introduced.

Tax Relief for Working Caregivers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $15,000 to $75,000 the taxpayer adjusted gross income amount at which the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses is phased down; and (2) allow such credit for a physically or mentally incapacitated parent (or an ancestor of such parent) of the taxpayer who is a dependent of such taxpayer.

Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4204-4207)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to improve certain death and survivor benefits with respect to members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

3/29/2007--Introduced.

Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act of 2007 - Allows an unmarried member of the Armed Forces with one or more dependent children, upon becoming eligible to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), to elect to provide an SBP annuity to an individual who acts as a guardian or caretaker to the dependent child or children.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to appoint a panel to review and identify best practices among pre-deployment counseling and services provided by the military departments to unmarried members of the Armed Forces with dependent children.

Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4204-4207)

Bill Text
A bill to improve the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in members and former members of the Armed Forces, to review and expand telehealth and telemental health programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Heroes at Home Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a protocol for the assessment and documentation of the cognitive (including memory) functioning of each member of the Armed Forces deployed in Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom before such deployment in order to facilitate their cognitive functioning upon their return. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program on training and certification of family caregivers of veterans and members with traumatic brain injury. Authorizes such Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a demonstration project to assess the feasibility and advisability of using telehealth technology [...]

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S.1070 Sponsored by Orrin G. Hatch
Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4209)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act to establish an Elder Justice program under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC). Establishes the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to establish stationary and mobile forensic centers, to develop forensic expertise regarding, and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Directs the Secretary to provide incentives for individuals to train for, seek, and maintain [...]

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H.R.1783 Sponsored by Rahm Emanuel
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Elder Justice Act - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish an Elder Justice program under title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services). Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC). Establishes the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. Directs the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to establish stationary and mobile forensic centers, to develop forensic expertise regarding, and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Directs the Secretary to provide incentives for individuals to train for, seek, and maintain [...]

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Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide more help to Alzheimer's disease caregivers.

3/29/2007--Introduced.

Alzheimer's Family Assistance Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a phased-in tax credit ($1,000 in 2007 increasing by $500 each year until allowing $3,000 in 2011) for family caregivers of spouses and dependents who have long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection standards to long-term care insurance contracts.

H.R.1727 Sponsored by Tammy Baldwin
Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and for other purposes. 10/15/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act – Title I: Paralysis Research - (Sec. 101) Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop mechanisms to coordinate NIH paralysis research and rehabilitation activities in order to further advance and avoid duplication of such activities. Authorizes the Director to make grants for the cost of planning, establishing, improving, and providing basic operating support for consortia in paralysis research. Requires the Director to designate each consortium funded as a Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Research Consortium. Authorizes such consortia to: (1) conduct basic, translational, and clinical paralysis research; [...]

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Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention. 3/19/2007--Introduced. Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for conducting and supporting research on Alzheimer's disease in FY2008-FY2012.Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute on Aging to: (1) give priority to projects for conducting and supporting Alzheimer's disease research; (2) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease prevention trials within NIH; (3) ensure that Alzheimer's disease is maintained as a high priority for the existing neuroscience initiative; (4) conduct and support cooperative clinical research regarding Alzheimer's disease; and (5) make grants for research related to the early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer's [...]

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Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To provide for paid sick leave to ensure that Americans can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families. 3/15/2007--Introduced. Healthy Families Act - Requires certain employers, who employ 15 or more employees for each working day during 20 or more workweeks a year, to provide a minimum paid sick leave and employment benefits of: (1) seven days annually for those who work at least 30 hours per week; and (2) a prorated annual amount for those who work less than 30 but at least 20 hours a week, or less than 1,500 but at least 1,000 hours per year. Allows employees to use such leave to meet their own medical needs or to care for the medical needs of certain family members. Directs the Secretary of Labor to exercise certain investigative and enforcement authority with respect to this Act's provisions for employees covered by title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 or the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991. Provides that,[...]

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Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide more help to Alzheimer's disease caregivers.

3/15/2007--Introduced.

Alzheimer's Family Assistance Act of 20007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a phased-in tax credit ($1,000 in 2007 increasing by $500 each year until allowing $3,000 in 2011) for family caregivers of spouses and dependents who have long-term care needs; (2) allow a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) apply certain consumer protection standards to long-term care insurance contracts.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Kennedy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to fund breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research while providing more help to caregivers and increasing public education about prevention. 8/3/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2007 - Title I: Increasing the Federal Commitment to Alzheimer's Research - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for research on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive health, and related disorders for FY2008-FY2012.(Sec. 102) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Aging (the Institute) to continue to make research related to Alzheimer's disease, cognitive health, and related disorders a priority within the Institute's activities consistent with the peer review process.(Sec. 103) Requires the Director to: (1) increase the emphasis on the need to conduct Alzheimer's disease, cognitive health, and related disorder [...]

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S.908 Sponsored by Norm Coleman