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: 04/24/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain interstate conduct relating to exotic animals. 4/24/2008--Introduced. Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit anyone, in or substantially affecting interstate or foreign commerce, from knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of such animal for entertainment or for the collection of a trophy. Exempts the killing or injuring of an exotic animal in a state or federal natural area reserve undertaking habitat restoration from such prohibition.Defines "confined exotic animal" as a mammal of a species not historically indigenous to the United States that has been held in captivity for the majority of its life or for a period of one year.Allows persons authorized by the Secretary of the Interior to make arrests, execute warrants, and search for and seize animals to [...]

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Latest Action: 07/09/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
To amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks. 7/8/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Shark Conservation Act of 2008 - Amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to list a nation in the biennial report on international compliance if the nation's fishing vessels are or have been engaged in fishing activities that target or incidentally catch sharks and the nation has not adopted a shark conservation program that is comparable, taking into account different conditions, to that of the United States, including measures to prohibit removal any of the fins of a shark (including the tail) and discarding the carcass of the shark at sea. Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to make it a prohibited act to: (1) remove any shark [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2151)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to strengthen the food safety inspection system by imposing stricter penalties for the slaughter of nonambulatory livestock. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Downed Animal Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to make it a violation of such Act to: (1) slaughter any nonambulatory livestock, or prepare any carcass or carcass part or meat or meat food product from such animal, for human food use; or (2) fail to comply with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958. Establishes the following penalties for violations of such prohibitions: (1) gross income-based civil penalty for a first violation; (2) one-year inspection service suspension for a second violation; and (3) permanent withdrawal of inspection service a third violation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate final regulations that provide for public disclosure of a comprehensive list of establishments at which recalled meat [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
Expressing support for the designation of September 2008 as "National Link Awareness Month" and recognizing the link between animal cruelty and other forms of societal violence.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Link Awareness Month. Recognizes that: (1) the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence is a national concern; and (2) laws that recognize such link are critical in protecting countless domestic violence survivors and their pets.

Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Bill Text
To require the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales by limiting the speed of vessels, and for other purposes.

3/5/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales by limiting the speed of vessels. Requires those regulations to incorporate the whale protection measures contained in a specified proposed rule and to provide the same or greater level of protection.

Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to extend its protections to bears illegally harvested for their viscera in the same manner as with respect to prohibited wildlife species, and for other purposes.

3/5/2008--Introduced.

Bear Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to make it unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce bear viscera. Defines "bear viscera" as the body fluids or internal organs of a bear, including its gallbladder and excluding its blood or brains.

Provides that this Act does not affect the regulation by any state of its bear populations or affect the hunting of bears that is lawful under state laws.

Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-429.

Bill Text
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales by limiting the speed of vessels, and for other purposes.

2/15/2008--Introduced.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to prescribe regulations to reduce the incidence of vessels colliding with North Atlantic right whales by limiting the speed of vessels. Requires those regulations to incorporate the whale protection measures contained in a specified proposed rule and to provide the same or greater level of protection.

Latest Action: 04/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to protect captive wildlife and to make technical corrections, and for other purposes.

3/31/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Captive Wildlife Safety Technical Amendments Act of 2008 - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 relating to the enforcement of, and civil and criminal penalties under, the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. Prohibits any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species.

Authorizes appropriations to carry out captive wildlife offense provisions for FY2009-FY2013.

Latest Action: 12/10/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15064)

Bill Text
A bill to require the National Incident Based Reporting System, the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, and the Law Enforcement National Data Exchange Program to list cruelty to animals as a separate offense category.

12/10/2007--Introduced.

Requires the Attorney General to modify the National Incident Based Reporting System, the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, and the Law Enforcement National Data Exchange Program to list cruelty to animals as a separate offense category.

Latest Action: 11/05/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Condemning the ongoing violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") and recognizing the threat such violence poses to the overall peace of the Great Lakes region.

11/5/2007--Introduced.

Condemns violent attempts to resist the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and encourages all parties involved in the conflict to reach a lasting cease-fire.

Encourages the U.S. government to state publicly its support for the disarmament and reintegration of forces loyal to General Nkunda into the national army.

Condemns the infiltration of soldiers into the Virunga National Forest and the danger it poses to the mountain gorillas.

Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Expressing support for designation of a National Animal Rescue Day to create awareness, educate, increase animal adoption, and increase financial support for animal rescues throughout the United States.

10/16/2007--Introduced.

Expresses support for the designation of a National Animal Rescue Day to create awareness for animal rescue programs, address overpopulation through continued spaying and neutering of adopted pets, and bring Americans together to support this common goal.

Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain interstate conduct relating to exotic animals.

10/15/2007--Introduced.

Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly transferring, transporting, or possessing a confined exotic animal for purposes of allowing the killing or injuring of that animal for entertainment or for the collection of a trophy. Defines "confined exotic animal" as a mammal of a species not indigenous to the United States that has been held in captivity for the majority of its life or a period of one year.

Latest Action: 10/09/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement.

Bill Text
To amend section 1308 of title 40, United States Code, to provide immunity for Federal Government agencies from claims resulting from the donation of unfit horses and mules and to allow certain agents of United States Customs and Border Protection to adopt such horses and mules.

10/4/2007--Introduced.

Immunity from Claims Related to Donated Horses Act of 2007 - Requires each humane organization that receives any horse or mule to hold the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, harmless from any demand, suit, action, or claim arising from or related to the government's donation of the horse or mule, including damages to the organization's property and any personal injury, disability, or death of any officer, employee, or agent.

Authorizes horses and mules belonging to the federal government that have become unfit for service to be adopted by the DHS agents who have worked with such horse or mule.

Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish a program of research and other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out a recovery program for southern sea otter populations along the coast of California.Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a Southern Sea Otter Health Assessment Plan; (2) collect and analyze tissue samples from southern sea otters; and (3) submit the tissue to the Secretary of Commerce for inclusion in the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank to allow for managed access to such tissues by other researchers.Requires the Secretary to: (1) award competitive grants to support research regarding southern sea otters; and (2) establish and appoint the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Implementation Team to make recommendations on overall implementation of the southern sea otter recovery [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit dog fighting ventures. 8/2/2007--Introduced. Federal Dog Protection Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to make it unlawful to knowingly: (1) sponsor or exhibit an animal in, or knowingly attend, a dog fighting venture; (2) sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive for purposes of transportation any dog or other animal for the purpose of having the dog or other animal, or offspring of the dog or other animal, participate in a dog fighting venture; or (3) use the U.S. mail service or any instrumentality of interstate commerce for commercial speech that promotes or furthers such prohibited actions.Makes costs incurred for the care of animals seized and forfeited recoverable from the owner (currently recoverable costs are limited to those incurred by the United States).Allows animal control agencies, humane societies, or societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals to commence a civil suit to enjoin [...]

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Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes.

12/26/2007--Public Law.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on December 12, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Chimp Haven is Home Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions providing for the removal of surplus chimpanzees from a sanctuary facility. Prohibits use of such chimpanzees for research except for noninvasive behavioral studies.

Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes.

8/1/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions providing for the removal of surplus chimpanzees from a sanctuary facility. Prohibits use of such chimpanzees for research except for noninvasive behavioral studies.

Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit dog fighting ventures.

7/27/2007--Introduced.

Dog Fighting Prohibition Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to make it unlawful to: (1) knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in, or knowingly attend, a dog fighting venture; and (2) knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive for purposes of transportation any dog or other animal for the purposes of having the dog, animal, or offspring of the dog or other animal participate in a dog fighting venture. Provides for imprisonment for up to five years for violations.

Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10409)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit dog fighting ventures.

7/26/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Animal Welfare Act to make it unlawful to: (1) knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in, or knowingly attend, a dog fighting venture; and (2) knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive for purposes of transportation any dog or other animal for the purposes of having the dog, animal, or offspring of the dog or other animal participate in a dog fighting venture. Provides for imprisonment for up to five years for violations.

Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-261.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 2/5/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 - (Sec. 101) Title I: Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for the Coast Guard for: (1) operations and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, renovation, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents; (4) environmental compliance and restoration; (5) research, development, testing, and evaluation programs; (6) operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard reserve program; and (7) construction of a new Chelsea Street Bridge in Chelsea, Massachusetts. (Sec. 102) Authorizes FY2008 levels of Coast Guard active [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Date of scheduled consideration. SD-406. 9:30 a.m.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, and the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997.

7/19/2007--Introduced.

Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, and the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997 for FY2007-FY2012.

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 928.

Bill Text
To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited wildlife species under that Act, to make corrections in the provisions relating to captive wildlife offenses under that Act, and for other purposes. 6/17/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Captive Primate Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to add nonhuman primates (i.e., monkeys, great apes, lemurs, etc.) to the definition of "prohibited wildlife species" for purposes of the prohibition against the sale or purchase of such species in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it unlawful for a person to sell or purchase a live animal of any prohibited wildlife species in interstate or foreign commerce (i.e., for pet trade purposes). Sets forth: (1) exceptions to such prohibition; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.Requires the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation [...]

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Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Feinstein. With written report No. 110-91.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/26/2007--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.) Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies for FY2008. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY2008 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for: (1) land and resource management; (2) wildland fire management (including transfer of funds); (3) construction; (4) land acquisition; (5) Oregon and California grant lands; (5) range improvements; (6) service charges, [...]

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Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer with amendments. With written report No. 110-210.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species, and for other purposes.

10/29/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Captive Primate Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to add nonhuman primates (i.e., monkeys, apes, etc.) to the definition of "prohibited wildlife species" for purposes of the prohibition against the sale or purchase of animals in interstate or foreign commerce, except allows such a sale or purchase by zoos, research facilities, or other federally licensed and regulated entities.

Latest Action: 07/30/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 427.

Bill Text
Urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt.

7/30/2007--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.)

Urges the Government of Canada to end the commercial hunt on seals.

Latest Action: 05/31/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase the penalties for violations of such Act, to prohibit the use of animals for marketing medical devices, and for other purposes. 5/7/2007--Introduced. Animal Protection Accountability Improvement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit a person from using a live animal to: (1) demonstrate a medical device or product to a sales representative, or in a workshop or training session, for marketing purposes; (2) train a sales representative to use a medical device or product; or (3) create a multimedia recording for the purpose of marketing a medical device or product. Exempts from this requirement the training of medical personnel for a purpose other than marketing a medical device or product.Increases the cap on the fine for violations of humane standards and record keeping requirements at auction sales from $2,500 to $10,000 for each violation. Provides that each animal that is the subject of a violation shall be a separate [...]

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Latest Action: 05/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Bill Text
To amend the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 to require, as a condition to the consent for off-track wagering, that horsemen's groups and host racing commissions offer insurance coverage for professional jockeys and other horseracing personnel, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Jockeys' Insurance Fairness Act - Amends the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 to add as conditions for the acceptance of interstate off-track wagers by an off-track betting system that: (1) a consenting host racing associations’s agreement with the horseman’s group must provide that such group shall pay not less than 50% of the amount it receives to the host racing commission for the purpose of offering insurance coverage for professional jockeys, exercise riders, and backside personnel and trainers (except where such persons are included in a state worker’s compensation program); and (2) the consenting host racing commission must agree to offer such insurance. Defines [...]

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