Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1525, the House moved to agree to the Senate amendments.

Bill Text
A bill to provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 4 other summaries) Division A: Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act (PSHA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans to apply the same treatment limits on mental health or substance-related disorder benefits as they do for medical and surgical benefits (parity [...]

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Latest Action: 09/30/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
An act to amend section 402 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to provide, in fiscal years 2009 through 2011, extensions of supplemental security income for refugees, asylees, and certain other humanitarian immigrants, and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to collect unemployment compensation debts resulting from fraud. 8/1/2008--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, to extend through FY2011 the supplemental security income (SSI) benefits eligibility of certain aliens (refugees, asylees, and elderly noncitizens with pending naturalization applications) and victims of trafficking in persons, including such aliens and victims whose SSI benefits ceased in prior fiscal years. Requires a sworn declaration [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S80)

Bill Text
A bill to treat certain hospital support organizations as qualified organizations for purposes of determining acquisition indebtedness.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain support organizations for tax-exempt teaching hospitals to acquire debt secured by income-producing real property used to provide financial support for such hospitals.

Latest Action: 01/22/2007 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-1. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional tax incentives to employers and employees of small businesses, and for other purposes. 1/22/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment, 1st committee reporting.    (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.) Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007 - Title I: Small Business Tax Relief Provisions - Subtitle A: General Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 the increased expensing allowance for small business assets. (Sec. 102) Extends through March 2008 accelerated depreciation of qualified leasehold and restaurant improvement property. Revises the definition of "qualified restaurant property" to eliminate the requirement that improvements to restaurant property must be [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3073-3074)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Power Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Introduced. Access to Competitive Power Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to order transmission service by the administrator or board of directors of the Bonneville, Southeastern, Western Area, and Southwestern Power Administrations, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Grants FERC jurisdiction over the rates, terms, and conditions of TVA's provision of transmission service in interstate commerce. Requires the TVA Board of Directors to file with FERC an open access transmission tariff containing just, reasonable, and not unduly preferential or discriminatory rates, terms, and conditions. Prohibits certain territory-restricted electric utilities from recovering stranded costs associated with the provision of transmission services to a distributor.[...]

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Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement.

Bill Text
To establish the Commission on Economic Indicators to conduct a study and submit a report containing recommendations concerning the appropriateness and accuracy of the methodology, calculations, and reporting used by the Government relating to certain economic indicators.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

Commission on Economic Indicators Act of 2007 - Establishes the Commission on Economic Indicators to study and report to Congress on: (1) economic statistics collected and reported by U.S. government agencies, including national income, employment and unemployment, wages, personal income, wealth, savings, debt, productivity, inflation, and international trade and capital flows; and (2) ways to improve the related statistical measurements.

Latest Action: 04/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4811-4812)

Bill Text
A bill to require enhanced disclosure to consumers regarding the consequences of making only minimum required payments in the repayment of credit card debt, and for other purposes. 4/20/2007--Introduced. Credit Card Minimum Payment Warning Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to include among the mandatory disclosures at each billing cycle of open end consumer credit plans: (1) the words "Minimum Payment Warning: Making only the minimum payment will increase the amount of interest that you pay and the time it will take to repay your outstanding balance;" (2) the number of years and months it would take the consumer to pay the entire amount of the balance if the consumer pays only the required minimum monthly payments; (3) the total cost to the consumer, as well as a breakdown in principal and interest payments, of paying that balance in full if the consumer pays only the required minimum monthly payments, and if no further advances are made; (4) the monthly [...]

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Latest Action: 03/07/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a bad debt deduction to doctors to partially offset the cost of providing uncompensated care required to be provided under the amendments made by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

2/28/2007--Introduced.

Mitigating the Impact of Uncompensated Service and Time Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain physicians a bad debt tax deduction for their costs in providing uncompensated care as required under the Social Security Act to emergency room patients and pregnant women in labor.

Latest Action: 03/13/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To require enhanced disclosure to consumers regarding the consequences of making only minimum required payments in the repayment of credit card debt, and for other purposes. 3/13/2007--Introduced. Credit Card Repayment Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to include among the mandatory disclosures at each billing cycle of open end consumer credit plans: (1) the words "Minimum Payment Warning: making only the minimum payment will increase the amount of interest that you pay and the time it will take to repay your outstanding balance;" (2) the number of years and months it would take the consumer to pay the entire amount of the balance if the consumer pays only the required minimum monthly payments; (3) the total cost to the consumer, as well as a breakdown in principal and interest payments, of paying that balance in full if the consumer pays only the required minimum monthly payments, and if no further advances are made; (4) the monthly payment amount that [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Kennedy. Without written report.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 602 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008 (S. Con. Res. 21). 7/10/2007--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.) Higher Education Access Act of 2007 - 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 [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 779.

Bill Text
To reauthorize Amtrak, and for other purposes. 6/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - Title I: Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs [...]

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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 [...]

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Latest Action: 03/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Bill Text
To amend title 11 of the United States Code to make nondischargeable debts for personal injuries that result in permanent disability.

2/26/2008--Introduced.

Savannah's Law - Amends federal bankruptcy law to declare nondischargeable in bankruptcy any debts for a personal injury that results in a permanent disability.

Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the second annual America Saves Week 2008 from February 24, 2008 through March 2, 2008.

2/25/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes the importance of increasing the savings rate and reducing consumer indebtedness in the United States through effective social marketing campaigns.

Supports the goals and ideals of America Saves Week (February 24-March 2, 2008).

Latest Action: 02/19/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the second annual America Saves Week 2008 from February 24, 2008 through March 2, 2008.

2/19/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes the importance of increasing the savings rate and reducing consumer indebtedness in the United States through effective social marketing campaigns.

Supports the goals and ideals of America Saves Week (February 24-March 2, 2008).

Latest Action: 03/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

Bill Text
To amend title 11 of the United States Code to make nondischargeable debts for personal injuries that result in permanent disability.

2/14/2008--Introduced.

Amends federal bankruptcy law to declare nondischargeable in bankruptcy any debts for a personal injury that results in a permanent disability.

Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the second annual America Saves Week 2008 from February 24, 2008 through March 2, 2008.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes the importance of increasing the savings rate and reducing consumer indebtedness in the United States through effective social marketing campaigns.

Supports the goals and ideals of America Saves Week (February 24-March 2, 2008).

Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts to the United States in the case of veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/29/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war after the Persian Gulf War or a combat zone after September 11, 2001, if the Secretary determines, in his or her discretion, that the termination of collection is in the best interest of the United States.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Latest Action: 02/01/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/28/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.

Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain debts owed to the United States by members of the Armed Forces and veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a combat zone, and for other purposes.

1/23/2008--Introduced.

Combat Veterans Debt Elimination Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting debts owed to the United States by certain members of the armed forces or veterans who die as a result of an injury incurred or aggravated on active duty in a war or a combat zone after September 11, 2001.

Excepts any amounts owed the United States under federal housing and small business loan programs from such prohibition on debt collection.