Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Bill Text
To promote the national security and stability of the United States economy by reducing the dependence of the United States on foreign oil through the use of alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies, and for other purposes. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act - Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish in the Federal Register an oil savings target and action plan for specified calendar years. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a national media campaign to decrease oil consumption in the United States over the next decade. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a fuel efficiency program for passenger car and light truck tires; (2) a program to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors; and (3) pilot projects to save oil by reducing vehicle miles traveled. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) [...]

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Latest Action: 05/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.

1/24/2007--Introduced.

National Right-to-Work Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).

Latest Action: 11/07/2007 - By Senator Boxer from Committee on Environment and Public Works filed written report. Report No. 110-225.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States. 8/2/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand, facilitates economic growth, is maintained in a manner that ensures public safety, and is developed or modified in a sustainable manner.(Sec. 4) Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including: (1) the capacity of infrastructure to sustain economic development and competitiveness; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of infrastructure; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve infrastructure and the projected need of investment requirements [...]

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Latest Action: 03/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3275)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the incentives for the construction and renovation of public schools. 3/19/2007--Introduced. America's Better Classroom Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified public school modernization bonds, defined to include: (1) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land for such facility (qualified school construction bonds); (2) bonds to finance certain academic programs below the postsecondary level in empowerment zones or enterprise communities (qualified zone academy bonds); and (3) bonds for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of certain Indian tribal schools (qualified tribal school modernization bonds). Establishes a national limitation on the issuance of such bonds and provides for the allocation of bond amounts among the states according to a specified formula. Limits the term of such [...]

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Latest Action: 04/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4310)

Bill Text
A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans. 4/10/2007--Introduced. Homes for Heroes Act of 2007 - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure veteran access to HUD housing and homeless assistance programs; (2) coordinate all HUD programs and activities relating to veterans; and (3) serve as a HUD liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Directs the HUD Secretary to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veteran families (that is, families with incomes not exceeding 50% of the area median income). Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) make housing rental vouchers available to homeless veterans; and (2) include veterans in public housing planning. Excludes veterans' benefits [...]

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Latest Action: 03/28/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.

Bill Text
To strengthen national security and promote energy independence by reducing the Nation's reliance on foreign oil, improving vehicle technology and efficiency, increasing the distribution of alternative fuels, bolstering rail infrastructure, and expanding access to public transit. 3/1/2007--Introduced. Program for Real Energy Security Act or the PROGRESS Act - Establishes the National Commission on Energy Security and Transition to New Fuels. Sets forth the duties of the Commission, including to make recommendations to Congress and the President for: (1) preserving the national energy security in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster; and (2) reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil over a specified period. Establishes: (1) the New Manhattan Center for High Efficiency Vehicles; and (2) the Advisory Council on Federal Participation. Requires the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of grants to federal and private sector researchers (including the Center) [...]

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Latest Action: 05/04/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 132.

Bill Text
A bill to preserve and protect the free choice of individual employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities.

5/3/2007--Introduced.

National Right-to-Work Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).

Latest Action: 03/08/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To provide for the construction and rehabilitation of child care facilities in areas of the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 3/8/2007--Introduced. Emergency Gulf Coast Child Care Construction and Rebuilding Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants to construct and renovate child care facilities located in any major disaster area resulting from Hurricane Katrina or Rita of 2005. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure: (1) mortgages for new or substantially rehabilitated child care and development facilities; (2) loans to such facilities for fire safety equipment; and (2) mortgages executed in connection with the purchase or refinancing of existing child care facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the availability of secondary markets for such mortgages.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7557)

Bill Text
A bill to preserve open competition and Federal Government neutrality towards the labor relations of Federal Government contractors on Federal and federally funded construction projects. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - Directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into, or adhering to, agreements with a labor organization, with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement. Allows exemptions to avert an imminent threat [...]

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Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To provide for the construction and renovation of child care facilities, and for other purposes. 4/17/2007--Introduced. Child Care Construction and Renovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants to construct and renovate child care facilities.Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure mortgages for: (1) new or rehabilitated child care and development facilities, including for fire safety equipment loans; and (2) acquiring or refinancing debt of existing child care facilities.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the availability of secondary markets for mortgages on child care facilities.Authorizes HUD grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for technical and financial assistance to assist eligible child care providers in acquiring or improving facilities or equipment.Applies the [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-862, by Mr. Price (NC).

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 9/18/2008--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to identify and remove aliens who have been convicted of a crime once they are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening operations and procurement and installation [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to provide for workforce training and education, at community colleges, in the fields of renewable energy and efficiency, green technology, and sustainable environmental practices. 6/12/2008--Introduced. Community College Sustainability Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a sustainablity workforce training and education program by awarding grants to community colleges for workforce training and education in industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) green construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) green chemistry, nanotechnology, or technology; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agricultural or culinary practices. Requires at least one-half of the funds provided under this Act to be awarded to schools that have existing sustainability programs leading to certificates or degrees in at least one of the industries or [...]

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Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Dorgan with amendments. With written report No. 110-504.

Bill Text
To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans, and for other purposes. 6/18/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make annual disbursements to the Colorado River Indian Tribes to fund the Office of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation Energy Development. Requires that such disbursements be not less than $200,000, and not more than $350,000 annually. Provides for the inclusion of binding arbitration clauses in construction contracts for the Gila River Indian Community.Authorizes the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan to transfer, lease, encumber, or convey any part of its interest in real property that is not held in trust by the United States for its benefit. Absolves the United States from liability for any loss resulting from a transfer of real property by the Tribe. Makes this provision retroactive to January 1, 2005.Authorizes the Morongo [...]

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Latest Action: 02/28/2008 - 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 provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation. 2/27/2008--Passed House 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.)Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to renewable energy sources and energy conservation. Title I: Production Incentives - (Sec. 101) Extends through 2011 the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources (e.g., wind, closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal energy, small irrigation power, municipal solid waste, and qualified hydropower). Imposes a limit on such tax credit based upon investment in renewable resource facilities placed in service after 2009 in lieu of the current phaseout provisions for [...]

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Latest Action: 02/12/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities, and for other purposes. 2/12/2008--Introduced. Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Needs School Improvement Act or the GREEN School Improvement Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to states to provide competitive grants to local educational agencies and eligible entities to make energy improvements to schools that result in a direct reduction in school energy costs, an improvement in teacher and student health, or the installation of renewable energy technologies. Requires a priority to be given to high-need local agencies and local agencies designated with a specified metrocentric locale codes.Sets forth grant application requirements, including a needs assessment for the schools involved and a description of the benefits and costs of the energy improvements to be made. Authorizes [...]

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Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to improve the enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Davis-Bacon Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to require that any provisions of federal law that require payment of prevailing wages be construed to include the Act's debarment requirements (prohibiting for three years any award of federal contracts to persons or related firms, corporations, partnerships, or associations listed by the Comptroller General as having disregarded their obligations to employees and subcontractors under the Act).

Requires each federal agency to make available to the public the complete payroll records (including all information in them except Social Security numbers) established under contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Bill Text
To improve the enforcement of Davis-Bacon Act.

12/19/2007--Introduced.

Davis-Bacon Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the Davis-Bacon Act to require that any provisions of federal law that require payment of prevailing wages be construed to include the Act's debarment requirements (prohibiting for three years any award of federal contracts to persons or related firms, corporations, partnerships, or associations listed by the Comptroller General as having disregarded their obligations to employees and subcontractors under the Act).

Requires each federal agency to make available to the public the complete payroll records (including all information in them except Social Security numbers) established under contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

Latest Action: 12/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Bill Text
To authorize the Department of Energy to make grants to carry out renewable energy projects, and for other purposes.

12/17/2007--Introduced.

Renewable and Hydroelectric Energy for Alaska's Tomorrow Act (the Renewable HEAT Act) - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to make grants to implement renewable energy projects that generate electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, or ocean energy, or biomass, landfill gas, or Alaska small hydroelectric power.

Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To establish the Gulf Coast Recovery Authority to administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project to provide job-training opportunities and increase employment to aid in the recovery of the Gulf Coast region. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Gulf Coast Civic Works Act - Establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery Authority (Corporation). Requires the Corporation to: (1) administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project that employs a minimum of 100,000 Gulf Coast region residents and evacuees for public works projects to rebuild, sustain, and develop the Gulf Coast region; (2) establish job training programs and apprenticeships to recruit and train qualified workers, including from the Gulf Coast region, for specific vacancies in recovery, rebuilding, and development projects; and (3) ensure that all workers are paid wages at not less than the prevailing locality rate (Davis-Bacon Act). Authorizes the Corporation to provide grants to Gulf Coast region residents that possess certain skills [...]

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