Top Legislation - View All

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: 04/23/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To establish a national policy for our oceans, to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a national and regional ocean governance structure, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Establishes a national policy to protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems and requires that federal agencies administer U.S. policies and laws accordingly. Allows more stringent federal and state requirements. States that there shall be an agency known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), declares that Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (concerning NOAA) shall have no further force or effect, and sets forth NOAA's mission and functions. (Reestablishes NOAA and requires a reorganization plan.) Creates an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and makes that person the Administrator of NOAA. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish the SouthEast Crescent Authority, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Southeast Crescent Authority Act of 2007 - Establishes a Southeast Crescent Authority for all parts of the following southeastern states not eligible for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Directs the Authority to perform various functions, including: (1) formulating plans and programs to spur economic development, and approving grants to states and public and nonprofit entities toward that end; (2) establishing priorities in a development plan for the region; (3) supporting local development districts, and creating them where they do not exist; and (4) encouraging private investment in the region. Permits the Authority to request and receive federal, state and local government personnel as employees. States that Authority grants [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

Bill Text
To improve communications interoperability for emergency response.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Improving Communications Interoperability Grant Program Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Director of the Office of Grants and Training, to establish the Improve Communications for Emergency Response Grant Program to make grants to states and regions for initiatives to improve interoperable emergency communications, including initiatives to achieve solutions to statewide, regional, national, and, where appropriate, international interoperability.

Latest Action: 02/06/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the SouthEast Crescent Authority, and for other purposes. 2/6/2007--Introduced. Southeast Crescent Authority Act of 2007 - Establishes a Southeast Crescent Authority for all parts of the following southeastern states not eligible for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Directs the Authority to perform various functions, including: (1) formulating plans and programs to spur economic development, and approving grants to states and public and nonprofit entities toward that end; (2) establishing priorities in a development plan for the region; (3) supporting local development districts, and creating them where they do not exist; and (4) encouraging private investment in the region. Permits the Authority to request and receive federal, state and local government personnel as employees. States that Authority [...]

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Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2030-2031)

Bill Text
A bill to improve the allocation of grants through the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. 2/15/2007--Introduced. Risk-Based Homeland Security Grants Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth provisions governing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funding for first responders pursuant to the State Homeland Security Grant Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, and the Citizen Corps Program. Makes eligible for a covered grant any state, region, or directly eligible tribe. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish: (1) a Homeland Security Grants Board; (2) clearly defined essential capabilities for state and local government preparedness for terrorism (sets forth factors to address in establishing such capabilities and lists critical infrastructure sectors and types of threats to consider); and [...]

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Latest Action: 03/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2800-2801)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a collaborative program to protect the Great Lakes, and for other purposes. 3/7/2007--Introduced. Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act of 2007 - National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to: (1) require certain vessels operating in U.S. waters to have invasive species management plans; (2) direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish vessel performance requirements with the goal of eliminating invasive species, (3) require vessels to conduct ballast water treatment in accordance with numeric ballast water discharge standards; (4) direct the Secretary to promulgate regulations to minimize the discharge of invasive species from ships that claim no ballast on board, or that claim to be carrying only unpumpable quantities of ballast, and to allow ships entering the Great Lakes to use a treatment technology that is as effective as ballast water exchange; (5) [...]

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Latest Action: 02/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.

Bill Text
To improve communications interoperability for emergency response.

2/6/2007--Introduced.

Improving Communications Interoperability Grant Program Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Director of the Office of Grants and Training, to establish the Improve Communications for Emergency Response Grant Program to make grants to states and regions for initiatives to improve interoperable emergency communications for first responders for domestic preparedness and the collective response to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including initiatives to achieve solutions to statewide, regional, national, and international interoperability.

Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.

Bill Text
To amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish vessel ballast water management requirements, and for other purposes. 2/7/2007--Introduced. Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to, among other things: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels (or a structure being towed by a vessel) that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water exchange and treatment and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Prohibits an operator of a vessel from uptaking or discharging ballast water or sediment, except in specified circumstances, from a U.S. vessel operating in U.S. or non-U.S. waters. Requires a vessel to conduct all its ballast water management operations in accordance with an aquatic [...]

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Latest Action: 07/12/2007 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in the State of Alabama, and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in Alabama.

Designates the Muscle Shoals Regional Center as the local coordinating entity for the Area.

Requires the Muscle Shoals Regional Center to prepare and submit a management plan for the Area.

Prohibits the Muscle Shoals Regional Center from using federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Lieberman. With written report No. 110-240.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the flexibility of certain disaster relief funds, and for improved evacuation and sheltering during disasters and catastrophes. 12/11/2007--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.)Streamlining Mitigation Actions and Recovery Tools and Regional Evacuation and Sheltering Planning of Overarching Networks for Severe Emergencies Act or the SMART RESPONSE Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified funds designated for that state under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita based upon: (1) any Program requirement that limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner [...]

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Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 808.

Bill Text
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

11/13/2007--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.)

Offers the sincerest congratulations of the U.S. House of Representatives to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in recognition of its 50th Anniversary and its legacy of outstanding service to the governments and citizens of greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan region, and expresses its appreciation for a job well done.

Latest Action: 10/26/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Northern Border Economic Development Commission, and for other purposes.

10/26/2007--Introduced.

Northern Border Economic Development Commission Act of 2007 - Establishes the Northern Border Economic Development Commission, having a region of specified counties in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, to develop plans and programs and to approve grants for the economic development of the region. Requires each such state to submit a development plan for the area of the region represented by such state. Outlines program development criteria, and provides for the approval of development plans and projects.

Requires as a Commission goal to address economic distress along the northern border of the United States east of, and including, Cayuga County, New York, especially in rural areas.

Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - For Further Action See P.L. 110-234, Title 6, Subtitle A, Sections 6025 and 6026 and Title 14, Subtitle C, Section 14217 (H.R. 2419).

Bill Text
To amend title 40, United States Code, to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the Nation. 10/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Establishes the Delta Regional Commission, the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission.Directs each Commission, for its region, to: (1) assess needs and assets; (2) develop comprehensive and coordinated economic infrastructure development strategies to establish and approve grants for economic development; (3) establish priorities in an economic and infrastructure development plan; (4) enhance capacity of and provide support for local development districts; (5) encourage private investment [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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

Bill Text
To require the immediate redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq.

7/17/2007--Introduced.

Iraq Redeployment and Regional Security Act - Requires: (1) the President, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act, to commence the full redeployment of all U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq; and (2) such redeployment to be completed within one year after the enactment of this Act.

Directs the President, as soon as practicable, to institute a regional diplomatic plan, in conjunction with the United Nations (UN) Security Council, to attempt to: (1) curtail the ongoing civil war in Iraq; (2) contain such civil war to prevent its spread into neighboring countries; (3) prevent the establishment of al Qaeda safe havens; (4) prevent regional war; and (5) prevent genocide.

Requires a report from the President to Congress, within 30 days after the enactment of this Act and every 30 days thereafter, on the status and progress of the diplomatic plan.

Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To provide for a study regarding development of a comprehensive integrated regional water management plan that would address four general areas of regional water planning in both the San Joaquin River Hydrologic Region and the Tulare Lake Hydrologic Region, inclusive of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties, California, and to provide that such plan be the guide by which those counties use as a mechanism to address and solve long-term water needs in a sustainable and equitable manner. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to award a grant to the California Water Institute, located at California State University at Fresno, to conduct a study coordinating and integrating sub-regional integrated regional water management plans into a unified Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide job creation and assistance, and for other purposes. 5/22/2007--Introduced. Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to establish and support entities that provide business incubator services (necessary to initiate and sustain operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of federal and state elected officials (as well as local ones) before dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration [...]

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