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Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1920-1921)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to add a provision relating to reporting and recordkeeping for positions involving energy commodities.

2/13/2007--Introduced.

Oil and Gas Traders Oversight Act of 2007 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prescribe reporting and recordkeeping requirements for positions involving energy commodities (a commodity or the derivatives of a commodity used primarily as a source of energy).

Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to subject to the requirements of this Act a contract, agreement, or transaction for future delivery in an energy commodity.

Latest Action: 02/16/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E384-385)

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify certain provisions applicable to real estate investment trusts, and for other purposes.

2/16/2007--Introduced.

REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of a REIT's total assets thay may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10931-10932)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify certain provisions applicable to real estate investment trusts, and for other purposes.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs) to: (1) treat passive foreign exchange gains attributable to overseas real estate investment as qualifying REIT income; (2) increase from 20 to 25% the the maximum value of a REIT's total assets thay may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; (3) revise safe harbor rules for the excise tax penalty on certain REIT sales activities; (4) treat rental payments made by a health care facility to a REIT as qualifying REIT income; and (5) treat income from, and interests in, foreign-qualified REITs as qualifying REIT income and assets.

Latest Action: 09/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11596-11597, S11600-11603)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to close the Enron loophole, prevent price manipulation and excessive speculation in the trading of energy commodities, and for other purposes. 9/17/2007--Introduced. Close the Enron Loophole Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide that it applies to an agreement, contract, or transaction in an exempt commodity that is executed or traded on an electronic trading facility that is an energy trading center.Prohibits any person from entering into an agreement, contract, or transaction for future delivery of an energy commodity that is not a spot sale of cash commodity or a sale of a cash commodity for deferred shipment or delivery on or through an energy trading facility that is not registered as such with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Sets forth registration criteria.Requires CFTC to ensure that the position limits and accountability levels applicable to contracts in an energy commodity [...]

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Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To prohibit securities and commodities trading based on nonpublic information relating to Congress, and to require additional reporting by Members and employees of Congress of securities transaction, and for other purposes. 5/16/2007--Introduced. Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Commodities Exchange Act to direct both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit purchase or sale of either securities or commodities for future delivery by a person in possession of material nonpublic information regarding pending or prospective legislative action if the information was obtained: (1) knowingly from a Member or employee of Congress; (2) by reason of being a Member or employee of Congress; and (3) other federal employees. Amends the Code of Official Conduct of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit designated House personnel from [...]

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Latest Action: 06/06/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To amend the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to authorize the Commission to require the registration of hedge fund advisers under that Act. 6/6/2007--Introduced. Securities and Exchange Commission Authority Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 with respect to the exemption from the requirement of registration for any investment adviser: (1) who has had fewer than fifteen clients during the course of the preceding twelve months; and (2) who neither holds himself out generally to the public as an investment adviser, nor acts an an investment adviser to any registered investment company or a company which has elected to be a business development company. Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) limit the availability of this exemption; and (2) require the registration of any investment adviser by requiring that certain shareholders, partners, and beneficial owners of, or investors in, clients of the adviser be counted [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To regulate over-the-counter trading of energy derivatives. 1/19/2007--Introduced. Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices Act of 2007 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to extend its jurisdiction to certain: (1) "included energy transactions" traded on an electronic trading facility; and (2) certain energy commodities involved in over-the-counter transactions. Sets forth reporting and recordkeeping requirements for: (1) certain contract participants that enter into or execute "included energy transactions;" and (2) electronic trading facilities for energy commodities. Extends prohibitions against fraudulent transactions to: (1) filling an order by offset against the other person's order; and (2) knowingly and willfully becoming the buyer in respect to another person's selling order, or the seller in respect to another person's buying order, without the other person's prior consent. Empowers the Commodities Futures Trading Commission [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To enhance transparency of trading in over-the-counter derivatives in natural gas. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Market Transparency Reporting of United States Transactions Act of 2007 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to define "included natural gas transaction" as a contract, agreement, or transaction in natural gas that is entered into: (1) in reliance on the provisions regarding either excluded swap transactions or the legal certainty for certain transaction in exempt commodities; or (2) by use of a domestic technology or software providing direct access to a foreign board of trade. (Thus places natural gas transactions within the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).) Prescribes recordkeeping and disclosure requirements governing natural gas in swap transactions, positions, inventories and commitments otherwise excluded from CFTC jurisdiction ("over-the-counter transactions"). Requires the CFTC to: (1) establish [...]

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Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 331.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates FY2008 funds for the following Department of Agriculture (Department) programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); (2) executive operations; (3) National Appeals Division; (4) Office of Budget and Program Analysis; (5) Homeland Security Staff; (6) Office of the Chief Information Officer; (7) Office of the Chief Financial Officer; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; (9) Office of Civil Rights; (10) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (11) agriculture buildings and facilities [...]

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Latest Action: 09/07/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that indebtedness incurred by a partnership in acquiring securities and commodities is not treated as acquisition indebtedness by organizations which are limited partners for purposes of the unrelated business income tax.

9/7/2007--Introduced.

Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the tax on the unrelated business income of tax-exempt organizations to exempt from treatment as acquisition indebtedness (subject to the unrelated business income tax) indebtedness incurred or continued by a limited partnership in a partnership to purchase or carry certain securities or commodities.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/24/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6021-6022)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to provide oil and gas price relief by requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to take action to end excessive speculation, and for other purposes. 6/24/2008--Introduced. End Oil Speculation Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to direct the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to eliminate manipulation and excessive speculation on petroleum futures markets by investigation, regulation, and rulemaking, while distinguishing between: (1) transactions by commercial producers and purchasers (as well as counterparties) involving actual physical petroleum products for future delivery ("legitimate hedge trading"); and (2) all other trading. Instructs the CFTC to review and: (1) revoke or modify prior action regarding certain transactions, participants, or petroleum futures market activity that is not a legitimate hedge trade; and (2) consider revoking results of prior actions that have the effect [...]

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Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5631-5632)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to require energy commodities to be traded only on regulated markets, and for other purposes.

6/12/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require energy commodities to be traded only on regulated markets.

Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S5472-5517)

Bill Text
A bill to provide energy price relief and hold oil companies and other entities accountable for their actions with regard to high energy prices, and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny major integrated oil companies (i.e., companies producing at least 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily) a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof; (2) conform tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) impose a windfall profits tax on major integrated oil companies; and (4) establish an Energy Independence and Security Trust Fund funded by revenues raised by the tax provisions of this Act to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and reduce the risks of global warming. Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR H5535)

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012.Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs.Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products.Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to enhance oil trading transparency. 5/8/2008--Introduced. Oil Trading Transparency Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to address the kind of case in which the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) grants or considers granting relief to a foreign board of trade from the requirement that it become a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity with respect to an energy commodity physically delivered in the United States. Requires the CFTC, before granting or considering such relief, to determine that the foreign board of trade: (1) applies comparable principles or requirements regarding daily publication of trading information and position limits or accountability levels for speculators as apply to a designated contract market, derivatives transaction execution facility, or other registered entity trading energy commodities physically delivered in the United States;[...]

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Latest Action: 05/12/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3988-3989)

Bill Text
A bill to provide energy price relief and hold oil companies and other entities accountable for their actions with regard to high energy prices, and for other purposes. 5/7/2008--Introduced. Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny major integrated oil companies (i.e., companies producing at least 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily) a tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, gas, or primary products thereof; (2) conform tax treatment of foreign oil and gas extraction income and foreign oil related income for purposes of the foreign tax credit; (3) impose a windfall profits tax on major integrated oil companies; and (4) establish an Energy Independence and Security Trust Fund funded by revenues raised by the tax provisions of this Act to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and reduce the risks of global warming. Petroleum Consumer Price Gouging Protection Act - Declares [...]

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Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E580)

Bill Text
To amend the Commodity Exchange Act to provide the Commodity Futures Trading Commission authority over off-exchange retail foreign currency transactions, and for other purposes. 4/10/2008--Introduced. CFTC Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to revise Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over certain agreements, contracts, and transactions in retail foreign currency. Extends coverage to certain future commissions merchants (and affiliated persons) and retail foreign exchange dealers. Requires them to register with the CFTC in order to solicit or accept orders from any person that is not an eligible contract participant in connection with such agreements, contracts, or transactions. Directs the CFTC to maintain a liaison with the Department of Justice to coordinate civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions of violations of the Act. Revises the prohibition against contracts designed to defraud or mislead.[...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Bill Text
To reauthorize and amend the Commodity Exchange Act to promote legal certainty, enhance competition, and reduce systemic risk in markets for futures and over-the-counter derivatives, and for other purposes. 12/13/2007--Introduced. CFTC Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to revise Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over an agreement, contract, or retail transaction in foreign currency. Extends coverage to certain future commissions merchants (and affiliated persons) and retail foreign exchange dealers. Requires them to register with the CFTC in order to: (1) solicit or accept orders from any person that is not an eligible contract participant in connection with such agreements, contracts, or transactions; (2) exercise discretionary trading authority (or obtain written authorization to do so) over any account for or on behalf of such a person; or (3) operate or solicit funds, securities, or property for any pooled investment [...]

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Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Bill Text
To amend the Commodity Exchange Act to close the Enron loophole, prevent price manipulation and excessive speculation in the trading of energy commodities, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--Introduced. Close the Enron Loophole Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide that it applies to an agreement, contract, or transaction in an exempt commodity that is executed or traded on an electronic trading facility that is an energy trading center.Prohibits any person from entering into an agreement, contract, or transaction for future delivery of an energy commodity that is not a spot sale of cash commodity or a sale of a cash commodity for deferred shipment or delivery on or through an energy trading facility that is not registered as such with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Sets forth registration criteria.Requires CFTC to ensure that the position limits and accountability levels applicable to contracts in an energy commodity listed [...]

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