Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the sound recording and film preservation programs of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Introduced. Library of Congress Sound Recording and Film Preservation Programs Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 (the Act) to authorize appropriations through FY2014 for: (1) the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for the purpose of maintaining and preserving sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant; and (2) the National Recording Preservation Foundation to accept and administer private gifts to promote and ensure the preservation and public accessibility of the nation's sound recording heritage held at the Library of Congress and other public and nonprofit archives. Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to authorize appropriations through FY2014 for the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress. Updates [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Subcommittee on National Parks. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-366. 2:30 p.m.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a commemorative trail in connection with the Women's Rights National Historical Park to link properties that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage, and for other purposes. 7/19/2007--Introduced. National Women's Rights History Project Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate a vehicular tour route, to be known as the Votes for Women History Trail Route, to link properties in New York State that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States. Requires the National Park Service to administer the Trail through the Women's Rights National Historical Park (established under prior law). Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding with, and provide technical and financial assistance to, other federal agencies, the State of New York, localities,[...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1274-1275)

Bill Text
Urging the President to authorize the return to the people of the Philippines of two church bells that were taken by the United States Army in 1901 from the town of Balangiga on the island of Samar, Philippines, and are currently displayed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.

6/12/2007--Introduced.

Urges the President to authorize the return of two church bells taken by the U.S. Army from the town of Balangiga on the island of Samar, Philippines, which are currently displayed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, to the Philippine people as a visible symbol of friendship, good will, and cooperation.

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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Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E22-23)

Bill Text
Requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in the United States Capitol.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

States that the Ten Commandments are a declaration of the fundamental principles that are the cornerstone of a fair and just society. Requires a copy of them to be prominently displayed in the U.S. Capitol at such place and in such manner as the Architect of the Capitol shall designate.

Latest Action: 04/07/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-278.

Bill Text
A bill to improve passenger automobile fuel economy and safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and for other purposes. 4/7/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards - Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act - (Sec. 102) Amends federal transportation law to instruct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average fuel economy standards for automobiles, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks for model years 2011-2030. Provides for increased average fuel economy standards for medium-duty trucks and heavy-duty trucks through 2030. Requires the Secretary to prescribe average fuel economy standards for automobiles beginning in model year 2011 that achieve a combined fuel economy standard for model year 2020 of at least 35 miles per gallon, with at least a four percent greater average fuel economy standard than the standard for the previous model [...]

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Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12943-12944 text as passed Senate: CR S12943 text of measure as introduced: CR S12942)

Bill Text
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

10/16/2007--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.)

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people in the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.

Latest Action: 01/29/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that extorts money from State and local governments, and the Federal Government, and inhibits such governments' constitutional actions under the first, tenth, and fourteenth amendments. 1/29/2007--Introduced. Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the remedy, in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of civil rights, to injunctive and declaratory relief and deny attorneys' fees where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including violations relating to: (1) religious words or imagery in veterans' memorials, public buildings, or official seals of states or their subdivisions; and (2) the chartering of Boy Scout units by states or their [...]

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Latest Action: 02/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1533-1534)

Bill Text
A bill to establish requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans. 2/1/2007--Introduced. Student Loan Sunshine Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each lender entering into an educational loan arrangement with a postsecondary school to: (1) report annually to the Secretary of Education specified information concerning such arrangement; (2) inform borrowers of their loan options under title IV (Student Assistance) before extending private educational loans for attendance at such school; and (3) be barred by such school from marketing such loans in a manner implying the school's endorsement. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the adequacy of educational loan information provided to borrowers, including a model format for lender use in providing annual loan information to the Secretary and covered schools. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To amend the Revised Statutes of the United States to prevent the use of the legal system in a manner that extorts money from State and local governments, and the Federal Government, and inhibits such governments' constitutional actions under the first, tenth, and fourteenth amendments. 1/30/2007--Introduced. Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the remedy, in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of civil rights, to injunctive and declaratory relief and deny attorneys' fees where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including violations relating to: (1) religious words or imagery in veterans' memorials, public buildings, or official seals of states or their subdivisions; and (2) the chartering of Boy Scout units by states or their subdivisions [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the sound recording and film preservation programs of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes. 4/24/2008--Introduced. Library of Congress Sound Recording and Film Preservation Programs Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000 (the Act) to authorize appropriations through FY2014 for: (1) the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for the purpose of maintaining and preserving sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant; and (2) the National Recording Preservation Foundation to accept and administer private gifts to promote and ensure the preservation and public accessibility of the nation's sound recording heritage held at the Library of Congress and other public and nonprofit archives. Amends the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 to authorize appropriations through FY2014 for the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress. Updates [...]

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Latest Action: 04/21/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-327.

Bill Text
An original bill to establish requirements for private lenders to protect student borrowers receiving private educational loans, and for other purposes. 4/21/2008--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.)Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Title I: Preventing Unfair and Deceptive Private Educational Lending Practices and Eliminating Conflicts of Interest - (Sec. 101) Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a private educational lender from: (1) offering or providing any gift to specified educational institutions or their personnel in exchange for any advantage or consideration provided to such lender related to its educational loan activities; or (2) engaging in revenue sharing with such institutions.Prohibits such lender from marketing loans [...]

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Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to conform return preparer penalty standards, delay implementation of withholding taxes on government contractors, enhance taxpayer protections, assist low-income taxpayers, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the standards for imposing penalties on tax return preparers for understatements of tax to require: (1) substantial authority for a position with respect to an item on a tax return if such position was not disclosed with the return; and (2) a reasonable basis for a position that was disclosed with the return. Requires tax return preparers to have a reasonable belief that a position with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction (a transaction having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) will more likely than not be sustained on [...]

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Latest Action: 01/28/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics.

Bill Text
To create a sponsorship program to help fund NASA's Centennial Challenges prize program and expand public awareness of NASA activities and technology needs, and for other purposes. 12/6/2007--Introduced. NASA Innovation Fund and Sponsorship Act of 2007 - Establishes within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) a NASA Innovation Fund into which amounts collected from charitable donations or in accordance with the Innovation Fund Sponsorship Program (created by this Act) shall be transferred. Authorizes and sets limits on the use of amounts in the Fund for: (1) advertising prize competitions under NASA's Centennial Challenges prize program to stimulate innovation in basic and applied research, technology development, and prototype demonstration that have the potential for application to the performance of space and aeronautical activities of NASA; and (2) expenses incurred in the administration of such competitions.Establishes the NASA Innovation [...]

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Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center on a permanent basis and to prohibit the Architect from removing or refusing to include language or other content from exhibits and materials relating to the Capitol Visitor Center on the grounds that the language or content includes a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content. 12/5/2007--Introduced. Loyalty to Our Legacy Act of 2007 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on a permanent basis. Prohibits the AOC, in preparing and producing any exhibit or other material relating to the CVC, from removing or refusing to include any language, symbol, writing, document, or record on the grounds that [...]

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Latest Action: 10/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Bill Text
To direct the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center on a permanent basis and to prohibit the Architect from removing or refusing to include language or other content from exhibits and materials relating to the Capitol Visitor Center on the grounds that the language or content includes a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Loyalty to Our Legacy Act of 2007 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on a permanent basis. Prohibits the AOC, in preparing and producing any exhibit or other material relating to the CVC, from removing or refusing to include any language, symbol, writing, document, or record on the grounds that they [...]

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Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12943-12944 text as passed Senate: CR S12943 text of measure as introduced: CR S12942)

Bill Text
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

10/16/2007--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.)

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people in the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.

Latest Action: 10/04/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week.

Encourages: (1) children and teens to live drug-free lives; and (2) people in the United States to promote drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities.

Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To establish a National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. 10/2/2007--Introduced. National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports Establishment Act - Establishes the National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports as a charitable, nonprofit corporation to promote participation by private organizations in the activities of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Subjects any person who uses the Council's or Foundation's official seal or any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the Council or Foundation for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition without the Foundation's consent to a civil action for remedies provided in the Trademark Act of 1946. Allows [...]

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Latest Action: 09/21/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce.

9/21/2007--Introduced.

Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2007 - Requires each federal and state court to recognize any lawful notarization occurring in or affecting interstate commerce which is made by a notary public licensed or commissioned under the laws of a state other than the state where the court is located.

Requires such a notarization to: (1) use a seal of office as symbol of the notary public's authority; or (2) have the seal information, in the case of an electronic record, securely attached to, or logically associated with, the electronic record so as to render the record tamper-resistant.