Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. 2/7/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize HEA programs. Title I: Title I Amendments - (Sec. 101) Revises the general definition of an institution of higher education (IHE) to include schools that: (1) admit students whose secondary education was conducted in a home school setting; (2) award degrees (not necessarily bachelor's degrees) that are acceptable for admission to a graduate or professional degree program; and (3) enroll students who will be dually or concurrently enrolled in a secondary school. Revises the definition of an IHE for purposes of title IV student assistance programs. Requires graduate medical schools located outside the country, that qualified as IHEs owing to their having a state-approved [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To authorize funding to conduct a national training program for State and local prosecutors.

7/31/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) award a grant to a nonprofit organization (such as the National District Attorneys Association) for a national training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together; and (2) provide assistance for carrying out such training program, including comprehensive continuing legal education in trial practice, substantive legal updates, and support staff training.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012.

Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6565-6566)

Bill Text
A bill to increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/10/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/16/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in [...]

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

Bill Text
Expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and encouraging the Government of Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes. 5/1/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Expresses condolences to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and recognizes the families' courage in seeking justice. Condemns the ongoing abductions and murders of women and girls in Guatemala. Urges the government of Guatemala to recognize domestic violence and sexual harassment as criminal acts and encourages the government of Guatemala to investigate the killings of women, prosecute those responsible, and eliminate the tolerance of violence against women. Supports efforts to identify perpetrators and unknown victims through forensic [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to establish within the United States Marshals Service a short term State witness protection program to provide assistance to State and local district attorneys to protect their witnesses in homicide and major violent crime cases and to provide Federal grants for such protection.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Witness Security and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to establish in the U.S. Marshals Service a Short Term State Witness Protection Program to provide protection for witnesses in state and local trials involving homicide or other major violent crimes pursuant to cooperative agreements with state and local criminal prosecutor's offices and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia.

Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to eligible prosecutor's offices for the purpose of providing short term protection to witnesses in trials involving homicide or serious violent felony.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
Raising awareness and encouraging prevention of stalking by establishing January 2007 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".

1/11/2007--Introduced.

Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote, through National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.

Latest Action: 01/26/2007 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1244-1245 text as passed Senate: CR S1244-1245)

Bill Text
A resolution designating January 2007 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".

1/26/2007--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.)

Designates January 2007 as National Stalking Awareness Month.

Urges national and community organizations, businesses, and the media to promote, through observation of National Stalking Awareness Month, awareness of the crime of stalking.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S117-118)

Bill Text
A bill to give investigators and prosecutors the tools they need to combat public corruption.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Effective Corruption Prosecutions Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) extend to eight years the statute of limitations for certain public corruption offenses involving bribery, theft of government funds, mail fraud, and racketeering; and (2) permit interception of wire, oral or electronic communications in connection the crimes of theft of federal funds or bribery (federal program bribery) and include such crimes within the definition of racketeering for purposes of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Practices Act (RICO).

Authorizes appropriations for additional Department of Justice personnel to investigate and prosecute public corruption offenses.

Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect judges, prosecutors, witnesses, victims, and their family members, and for other purposes. 4/19/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Court Security Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Judicial Security Improvements and Funding - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal judicial code to require the Director of the U.S. Marshals Service to consult with the Judicial Conference of the United States (Judicial Conference) on a continuing basis regarding the security requirements of the judicial branch.(Sec. 102) Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to: (1) authorize the Judicial Conference to allow redactions of personal information of family members of judges from financial disclosure forms filed by such judges; (2) extend through 2009 the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact certain personal information of judges from financial disclosure reports; and (3) require [...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/16/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6565-6566)

Bill Text
A bill to increase public confidence in the justice system and address any unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. 7/10/2008--Introduced. Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To authorize funding to conduct a national training program for State and local prosecutors.

7/31/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) award a grant to a nonprofit organization (such as the National District Attorneys Association) for a national training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together; and (2) provide assistance for carrying out such training program, including comprehensive continuing legal education in trial practice, substantive legal updates, and support staff training.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To authorize law enforcement and security assistance, and assistance to enhance the rule of law and strengthen civilian institutions, for Mexico and the countries of Central America, and for other purposes. 6/10/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Assistance for Mexico - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 112) Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Mexico for: (1) counternarcotics and countertrafficking; (2) port, airport, and related security to assist in controlling the Mexico-U.S. and Mexico-Central America borders; (3) intelligence gathering operational technology; and (4) public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC). (Sec. 114) Prohibits providing assistance to any armed forces of Mexico or law enforcement [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee conc

Bill Text
Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 5/13/2008--Introduced. Clean Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2008 appropriations for specified activities related to the war on terror, international affairs, and national defense matters to the Departments of Agriculture (including food relief to certain foreign countries), of Justice, of Defense (military, including funds for Afghan and Iraqi security forces), of Defense (military construction), and of State (including international peacekeeping activities). Rescinds certain funds made available in: (1) the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 for the Defense Health Program; and (2) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. Makes additional supplemental appropriations [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy without amendment. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize funding for the National Advocacy Center.

6/4/2008--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.)

Authorizes the National District Attorneys Association to use the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, for a national training program to improve the professional skills of state and local prosecutors and to enhance the ability of federal, state, and local prosecutors to work together. Authorizes the National Advocacy Center to provide comprehensive legal education in trial practice, substantive legal updates, and support staff training.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2012.

Latest Action: 05/05/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-619.

Bill Text
To create a voluntary FHA program that provides mortgage refinancing assistance to allow families to stay in their homes, protect neighborhoods, and help stabilize the housing market. 5/5/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Title I: Homeownership Retention - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, which shall establish and oversee a program for insuring homeownership retention mortgages. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any homeownership retention mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Sets forth mortgagor eligibility criteria, including mortgagor certification that: (1) the residence is the only residence in which the mortgagor has any present [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR 12/18/2007 S15936-15939; text as passed Senate: CR 12/18/2007 S15938; text of measure as introduced: CR 12/18/2007 S15923)

Bill Text
A resolution designating January 2008 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".

12/19/2007--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 January 2008 as National Stalking Awareness Month.

Urges national and community organizations, private businesses, and the media to promote awareness of the crime of stalking through observation of such Month.

Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To combat illegal gun trafficking, and for other purposes. 12/18/2007--Introduced. Detectives Nemorin and Andrews Anti-Gun Trafficking Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 20 years for the sale, transfer, or barter of a stolen firearm or a firearm with an altered serial number or for the sale of such firearms to persons prohibited from possessing them; (2) impose an additional five-year prison term for possession of a stolen or altered firearm during the commission of a felony; (3) require licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, or dealers to contact the national instant stolen gun check system before receiving firearms from any unlicensed person; and (4) increase criminal penalties for the use of a stolen or altered firearm during the commission of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.Amends the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act to: (1) include illegal gun trafficking [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15235-15236)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to provide protection to consumers with respect to certain high-cost loans, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Introduced. Home Ownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to redefine high-cost mortgages and attendant lending practices. Sets forth a new formula for points and fees for open-end loans, and provides for bona fide discount points. Prohibits: (1) prepayment penalties; (2) balloon payments; (3) yield spread premiums; (4) acceleration or debt; (5) evasions, structuring of transactions, and reciprocal arrangements; and (6) modification and deferral fees. Prohibits creditors from financing, in connection with a high-cost mortgage, any prepayment fee or penalty, or any points or fees. Prohibits an originator from making or arranging a high-cost mortgage loan that involves a refinancing of a prior existing home mortgage loan unless the new loan will provide a net tangible [...]

show full description