Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - S.AMDT.4380 Amendment SA 4380 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 41 - 57. Record Vote Number: 79.

Bill Text
An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013. 3/14/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2009, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2008 and FY2010-FY2013. Title I: Recommended Levels and Amounts - (Sec. 101) Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2013, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. (Sec. 102) Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2013.[...]

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H.R.4153 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To make certain technical corrections and transition amendments to the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. 11/13/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) College Cost Reduction and Access Act Technical Amendments of 2007 - Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Ensures that mandatory Pell grant funding made available for any fiscal year by such Act remains available for the succeeding fiscal year (thus, for the full Pell grant award year). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Clarifies that students who were orphans, wards of the court, or in foster care when they were 13 or older are independent for federal student aid purposes. [...]

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Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To extend eligibility for certain Federal benefits to citizens of the Freely Associated States.

10/30/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend to citizens of the Freely Associated States (Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau) who reside in the United States eligibility for non-emergency food stamps and benefits under titles XIX (Medicaid), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) , and part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act.

H.R.3656 Sponsored by Phil English
Latest Action: 09/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To require States to withhold assistance to applicants for, and recipients of temporary assistance for needy families with respect to whom there is substantial evidence of recent unlawful drug use.

9/25/2007--Introduced.

Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to subject applicants for, and recipients of, TANF to drug testing and the withholding of assistance when there is substantial evidence of recent unlawful drug use.

H.R.3599 Sponsored by Gwen Moore
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to improve access to dependable, affordable automobiles by low-income families.

9/19/2007--Introduced.

Creating Access to Rides Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to states, counties, localties, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and nonprofit entities to promote improving access to ownership of dependable, affordable automobiles by low-income families.

Authorizes the use of funds in TANF individual development accounts for automobile ownership, maintenance, and insurance.

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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H.R.3395 Sponsored by Danny K. Davis
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To amend title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure funding for grants to promote responsible fatherhood and strengthen low-income families, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced. Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) funding for responsible fatherhood programs; (2) requirements to ensure procedures to address domestic violence; (3) activities promoting responsible fatherhood; (4) grants to healthy family partnerships for domestic violence prevention, for services for families and individuals affected by domestic violence, and for developing and implementing best practices; and (5) elimination of separate TANF work participation rate for two-parent families.Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to prohibit a state from collecting any amount owed it by reason of costs it has [...]

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H.R.3188 Sponsored by Jerry Weller
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To eliminate the separate work participation rate requirements for 2-parent families under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

TANF Marriage Penalty Elimination Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to eliminate the separate work participation rate requirements for two-parent families.

Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To exclude certain assets in determining eligibility under the food stamp program, the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, and the State children's health insurance program (SCHIP). 7/25/2007--Introduced. Freedom to Save Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to modify the asset test for food stamp program eligibility by increasing the amounts of allowable financial resources, with annual inflation adjustments, and excluding from countable financial resources any retirement accounts, education accounts, and licensed vehicles. Prohibits the use of any asset test under the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. Prescribes an administrative penalty for any state imposing such a test. Eliminates any asset test for disabled persons under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income (SSI)) of the Social Security Act (SSA) and [...]

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H.RES.527 Sponsored by Jim McDermott
Latest Action: 07/11/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 527.

Bill Text
Recognizing the month of November as "National Homeless Youth Awareness Month". 7/11/2007--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.)Supports helping vulnerable youth through current programs authorized under title IV (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act.Encourages the promotion through such programs of assistance for especially foster youth in staying off the streets, staying in school, and obtaining their high school diplomas and further education and training.Applauds the initiative of public and private organizations and individuals dedicated to helping these programs prevent homelessness among youth, and provide aid when prevention fails.Declares that the House of Representatives should recognize National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (November) to support [...]

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S.1730 Sponsored by Gordon H. Smith
Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8700-8701)

Bill Text
A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, to reward States for engaging individuals with disabilities in work activities, and for other purposes.

6/28/2007--Introduced.

Pathways to Independence Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to deem individuals with disabilities complying with a modified employability plan to be meeting work participation requirements.

Gives states the option to disregard in determining work participation rates any SSI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSA title XVI) and Social Security disability insurance applicants or recipients.

S.1676 Sponsored by Daniel K. Akaka
Latest Action: 06/21/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to extend eligibility for certain Federal benefits to citizens of the Freely Associated States.

6/21/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend to citizens of the Freely Associated States (Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau) who reside in the United States eligibility for non-emergency food stamps and benefits under titles XIX (Medicaid), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) , and part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act.

S.1626 Sponsored by Evan Bayh
Latest Action: 06/14/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title XIV of the Social Security Act to ensure funding for grants to promote responsible fatherhood and strengthen low-income families, and for other purposes. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to: (1) funding for responsible fatherhood programs; (2) requirements to ensure procedures to address domestic violence; (3) activities promoting responsible fatherhood; (4) grants to healthy family partnerships for domestic violence prevention, for services for families and individuals affected by domestic violence, and for developing and implementing best practices; and (5) elimination of separate TANF work participation rate for two-parent families. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to prohibit a state from collecting any amount owed it by reason of costs [...]

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H.R.2669 Sponsored by George Miller
Latest Action: 09/27/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008. 9/27/2007--Public Law.    (There are 5 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on September 6, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) College Cost Reduction and Access Act - Title I: Grants to Students in Attendance at Institutions of Higher Education - (Sec. 101) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to repeal the formula for calculating an individual Pell grant which includes, in part, the sum of the student's tuition. (Thus eliminates the "tuition sensitivity provision" which currently prohibits maximum Pell grant awards to students attending low-tuition institutions of higher education (IHEs) even if their income is low enough otherwise to qualify for the maximum award.) Authorizes and appropriates $11 million for FY2008 [...]

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H.R.2477 Sponsored by Chaka Fattah
Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support.

Bill Text
To amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research on indicators of child well-being.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

State Child Well-Being Research Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop comprehensive indicators to assess child well-being in each state.

Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to make recommendations regarding the appropriate measures and statistical tools necessary for making such assessment.

Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6856-6857)

Bill Text
A bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research on indicators of child well-being.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

State Child Well-Being Research Act of 2007 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop comprehensive indicators to assess child well-being in each state.

Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to make recommendations regarding the appropriate measures and statistical tools necessary for making such assessment.

Latest Action: 05/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6556)

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from imposing penalties against a State under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for failure to satisfy minimum work participation rates or comply with work participation verification procedures with respect to months beginning after September 2006 and before the end of the 12-month period that begins on the date the Secretary approves the State's work verification plan. 5/23/2007--Introduced. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a specified period from reducing the state family assistance grant to or imposing other penalties against a state under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)) of title IV of the Social Security Act for failure to satisfy minimum work participation rates or comply with work participation verification procedures.Specifies such period as the months from October 2006 through the end of the 12-month period that begins on the date the [...]

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H.R.2314 Sponsored by Jerry Weller
Latest Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to increase payments to States for expenditures for short term training of staff of certain child welfare agencies.

5/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to increase payments to states for expenditures for short term training of staff of certain child welfare agencies.

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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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: 07/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for an AmeriCare that assures the provision of health insurance coverage to all residents, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. AmeriCare Health Care Act of 2007 - Adds a new title XXII to the Social Security Act (SSA) entitled "AmeriCare Health Benefits." Makes all U.S. residents eligible for AmeriCare benefits, including prescription drugs and biologicals. Requires the development of an AmeriCare enrollment mechanism that includes automatic enrollment at birth and the issuance of AmeriCare cards for identification and claims processing purposes.Provides that an individual may elect not to be enrolled for benefits under AmeriCare if the individual has health benefits coverage under a group health plan at least equivalent to AmeriCare coverage.Provides the same benefits under AmeriCare as are provided under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical [...]

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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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Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2171-2172)

Bill Text
A bill to establish kinship navigator programs, to establish guardianship assistance payments for children, and for other purposes. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Kinship Caregiver Support Act - Authorizes the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants for kinship navigator programs to state agencies, metropolitan agencies, or tribal organizations with experience in addressing needs of kinship caregivers or children and connecting them with services and assistance.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. Allows states to use part E funds to [...]

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H.R.1074 Sponsored by Tim Ryan
Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To provide for programs that reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, help women bear healthy children, and support new parents. 2/15/2007--Introduced. Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to provide education on preventing teen pregnancies.Provides for: (1) grants to prevent teen pregnancy; and (2) a national center for parents of adolescents to support parents in preventing teen pregnancy.Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of Social Security Act to expand coverage of family planning services. Sets forth requirements for primary care clinics that receive federal financial assistance and provide abortion services.Expands state options to provide health care coverage to low-income pregnant women.Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for voluntary family planning projects.Amends the Public [...]

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H.R.896 Sponsored by Paul Ryan
Latest Action: 02/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support.

Bill Text
To amend part D of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for the pass through of all child support collected on behalf of families receiving assistance under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families. 2/7/2007--Introduced. Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the pass-through of child support collected on behalf of families receiving assistance under the program of block grants to states for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF).Requires pass-through to a family receiving TANF of the total amount of collected child support. (Currently the federal government receives its share and the state retains or distributes to the family the state share of such child support.) Requires payment to: (1) the federal government of its share of foster care maintenance payments; (2) the state for retention, or distribution to the family,[...]

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S.158 Sponsored by Susan M. Collins
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S149-150)

Bill Text
A bill to expand access to affordable health care and to strengthen the health care safety net and make health care services more available in rural and underserved areas. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Access to Affordable Health Care Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) tax credits to small businesses for qualified employee health insurance expenses; (2) tax credits for qualified health insurance; (3) deductions for long-term care premiums; and (4) tax credits for individuals with long-term care needs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to award grants to states to assist in planning, developing, and operating qualified small employer purchasing groups for health insurance. Directs the Small Business Administration to award grants to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to provide health insurance information to small employers. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to award demonstration grants for [...]

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