Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 758.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict.

2/14/2008--Introduced.

Expresses gratitude for, and urges states, localities, and all Americans to honor the courage and sacrifice of, members of the Armed Forces, including Samuel R. Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict.

Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from that conflict.

Honors all members of the Armed Forces who have fought and died in the defense of freedom.

Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent). H. Rept. 110-665.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Tancredo. Petition No: 110-11. (Discharge petition text with signatures.)

Bill Text
Establishing a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs.

1/30/2007--Introduced.

Establishes the House Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs.

Latest Action: 06/09/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To establish a fact-finding Commission to extend the study of a prior Commission to investigate and determine facts and circumstances surrounding the relocation, internment, and deportation to Axis countries of Latin Americans of Japanese descent from December 1941 through February 1948, and the impact of those actions by the United States, and to recommend appropriate remedies, and for other purposes. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese descent. Directs the Commission to: (1) extend the study of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to investigate U.S. relocation, internment, and (in some cases) deportation to Axis countries of Latin Americans of Japanese descent held in U.S. custody from December 1941 through February 1948; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies to [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel; (3) concern for the families of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser,[...]

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Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4456-4457)

Bill Text
A resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of soldiers of Israel held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. 4/12/2007--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.) Demands that: (1) Hamas release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; (2) Hezbollah accept the mandate of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 by releasing Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev; and (3) Hezbollah and Hamas accede to basic standards of humanitarian conduct and allow access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Expresses: (1) commitment to Israel's survival as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders; (2) support and interest in achieving a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and [...]

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Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Bill Text
To provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 8/3/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries) Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 - Provides for implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission).Title I: Homeland Security Grants - (Sec. 101) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to establish Homeland Security Grant Programs (consisting of an Urban Area Security Initiative and a State Homeland Security Grant Program). Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to award Program grants through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Provides that none of the provisions regarding grants to states and high-risk urban areas shall be construed to affect programs authorized under the Federal Fire Prevention [...]

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Latest Action: 06/19/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To require accountability for personnel performing private security functions under Federal contracts, and for other purposes. 1/10/2007--Introduced. Transparency and Accountability in Security Contracting Act of 2007 - Requires each contract, subcontract, or task order awarded or issued by a federal agency that includes private security functions (covered contract) to require the contractor to provide to the agency contracting officer specified information, including the number of persons to perform the security functions and the hiring and training process for such employees. Requires agency oversight in the performance of the covered contract. Directs the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to issue rules of engagement regarding the circumstances under which force may be used by contractor personnel performing private security functions within the area covered by a contingency operation, and the types of force authorized. Provides for: (1) hiring, training,[...]

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Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
A bill to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Ensuring Implementation of the 9/11 Commission Report Act - Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act or the HERO Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete assignment of the electromagnetic spectrum for public safety services to permit operation by December 31, 2007. Requires reports respecting: (1) a unified incident command system; (2) a national critical infrastructure risk and vulnerabilities assessment; and (3) private sector preparedness. Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant program to assist state and local governments in achieving essential capabilities for terrorism preparedness. Directs the Secretary of Homeland [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent). H. Rept. 110-665.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 758.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation, and for other purposes. 3/31/2008--Introduced. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2009. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion; (2) the Rapid Acquisition Fund; (3) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (4) Defense Production Act purchases; (5) research, development, test, and evaluation; (6) operation [...]

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Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
Recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict.

2/14/2008--Introduced.

Expresses gratitude for, and urges states, localities, and all Americans to honor the courage and sacrifice of, members of the Armed Forces, including Samuel R. Johnson of Texas, who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict.

Declares that the House of Representatives will continue to press for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from that conflict.

Honors all members of the Armed Forces who have fought and died in the defense of freedom.

Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to remove the authority of the President to waive certain provisions. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (the Act) to remove the authority of the President to grant the government of Iraq immunity from actions by victims of terror seeking compensation for injuries caused by officials, employees, or agents of the government of Iraq during the time such government was classified as a state sponsor of terrorism if: (1) it is the interest of national security; (2) it promotes the reconstruction of, the consolidation of democracy in, and the relations of the United States with, Iraq; and (3) Iraq continues to be a reliable ally of the United States and partner in combating acts of international terrorism.Deems ineffective, on the date of the enactment of this Act, any such immunity granted to the government [...]

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Latest Action: 02/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
Honoring the heroic service and sacrifice of the 350 American soldiers detained at the Nazi camp at Berga during World War II.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes and expresses appreciation for the courageous and loyal contributions made by the American soldiers detained in Berga, Germany, during World War II and encourages the people of the United States to recognize their service and loyalty.

Latest Action: 12/13/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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 require the videotaping of strategic interrogations and certain other interactions between detainees and members of the Armed Forces, intelligence operatives, and contractors, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. Detainee Interrogation Recording Act of 2007 - Requires the President to take such actions as are necessary, in accordance with specified laws and treaties, to ensure the videotaping of each strategic interrogation and other pertinent interaction between detainees or prisoners under the effective control of the U.S. and members of the Armed Forces, U.S. intelligence operatives, or U.S. contractors. Directs the President to provide for the appropriate classification of videotapes or recordings made under that requirement. Requires such videotapes to be made available, under seal if appropriate, to both prosecution and defense attorneys to the extent that they are material to any military or civilian criminal proceeding. Defines strategic interrogation [...]

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Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15077-15078)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that certain benchmarks must be met before certain restrictions against the Government of North Korea are lifted, and that the United States Government should not provide any financial assistance to North Korea until the Secretary of State makes certain certifications regarding the submission of applications for refugee status. 12/10/2007--Introduced. States that restrictions imposed on the government of North Korea as a result of its being determined to be a government that has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism should not be lifted until benchmarks have been met respecting: (1) missile or nuclear technology transfers; (2) cessation of terrorist activities and support of terrorist groups and terrorist activities; (3) counterfeiting of U.S. currency; (4) release of South Korean POWs, Japanese nationals, and Kim Donk-Shik; and (5) Bureau 39's closure. States that the U.S. government should not provide [...]

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Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To modify certain provisions of law relating to torture.

11/8/2007--Introduced.

American Anti-Torture Act of 2007 - Amends the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 to prohibit any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation.

Makes such prohibition inapplicable with respect to any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) pursuant to a U.S. criminal or immigration law.