Latest Action: 05/19/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4423-4424; text as passed Senate: CR S4423-4424; text of measure as introduced: CR S4377-4378)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the earthquake that struck Sichuan Province of the People's Republic of China on May 12, 2008.

5/19/2008--Passed Senate 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.)

Mourns the loss of life and human suffering caused by the May 2008 earthquake in the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Expresses deep condolences to the people of the PRC and to all those affected by this enormous tragedy.

Calls on the President to respond to any requests for humanitarian assistance made by the government of the PRC, and stands ready to support the provision of additional resources to assist those impacted by the earthquake.

Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Mr. Wu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the earthquake of May 12, 2008 in Sichuan Province.

5/20/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Extends condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake centered in Sichuan Province.

Vows full support for the people of the PRC as well as the members of the Chinese American community who have relatives in the affected areas.

Expresses confidence that the people of the PRC will come together to help those in need and succeed in overcoming the hardships incurred because of this tragedy.

Latest Action: 01/23/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.

Bill Text
To amend title 10, United States Code, to take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable disasters related to seismic activity in connection with the lease and development of non-excess property of military departments, and for other purposes.

12/17/2007--Introduced.

Additional Safeguards For Lease and Development of Non-Excess Property of Military Departments Act - Prohibits the lease of non-excess land that is under the control of a military department if the land is located in an area designated UBC Seismic Zone 4.

Provides for an exception if the Secretary concerned determines that seismic activity would not have any significant impact on any portion of the proposed development under the lease. Prohibits such Secretary from omitting a revocation provision from a lease allowed under this exception.

Requires revocation of previously-approved leases in such zones unless a lease is under substantial construction or the Secretary determines a lease should not be revoked.

Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
Recognizing the two year anniversary of the earthquake that occurred in northern Pakistan in 2005 and urging the United States to continue to support rebuilding efforts in Pakistan in response to the conditions caused by that earthquake.

10/25/2007--Introduced.

Urges the U.S. government to continue to support rebuilding efforts in Pakistan in response to the earthquake that occurred in northern Pakistan on October 8, 2005.

Latest Action: 08/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Bill Text
To designate Pakistan under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit nationals of Pakistan to be eligible for temporary protected status under such sections.

7/10/2007--Introduced.

Pakistani Temporary Protected Status Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by the earthquake in Pakistan qualifies Pakistan for designation under the Immigration and Nationality Act pursuant to which its nationals would be eligible for temporary protected status (TPS) in the United States.

Designates Pakistan as a TPS-eligible country for an initial 12-month period.

Sets forth related TPS eligibility requirements, including continuous U.S. presence since October 8, 2005.

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to give prior consent to such aliens for temporary trips abroad in emergency and extenuating circumstances.

Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-84.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Offices of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General.Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for: (1) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology, air and marine interdiction, maintenance, procurement, and construction; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 110-152.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize improvements for the security of dams and other facilities. 5/1/2007--Introduced. Amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make modifications to preserve the site security of Bureau of Reclamation dams and related facilities; and (2) provide for the reimbursement of all costs incurred for post-September 11, 2001 building and site security activities.Requires: (1) dam safety and site security costs allocated to irrigation, municipal, and industrial water service for the Central Valley Project, California, to be collected by the Secretary exclusively through inclusion of such costs in operation and maintenance rates, capital water rates, or both; and (2) reimbursable operation and maintenance costs to be repaid annually. Authorizes the Secretary to develop policies and procedures to provide for agreements with project beneficiaries [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5530)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to seek limited reimbursement for site security activities, and for other purposes. 12/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Bureau of Reclamation Site Security Costs Act of 2007 - Makes costs incurred by the Secretary of the Interior for the physical fortification of Bureau of Reclamation facilities to satisfy increased post-September 11, 2001, security needs non-reimbursable.Directs the Secretary of the Interior to include up to a specified amount of costs incurred for increased levels of guards and patrols, training, patrols by local and tribal law enforcement entities, operation, maintenance, and replacement of guard and response force equipment, and operation and maintenance of facility fortifications at Bureau facilities after September 11, 2001, as reimbursable operation and maintenance costs under reclamation law. Requires site security costs allocated to irrigation [...]

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Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3360-3362)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the creation of disaster protection funds by property and casualty insurance companies for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from future catastrophic events.

3/20/2007--Introduced.

Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods.

Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3360-3362)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a program to provide more protection at lower cost through a national backstop for State natural catastrophe insurance programs to help the United States better prepare for and protect its citizens against the ravages of natural catastrophes, to encourage and promote mitigation and prevention for, and recovery and rebuilding from such catastrophes, to better assist in the financial recovery from such catastrophes, and to develop a rigorous process of continuous improvement. 3/20/2007--Introduced. Homeowners Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding: (1) estimated loss costs associated with the contracts for reinsurance coverage; and (2) development of prevention, mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding standards that better prepare and protect the United States from catastrophes. Instructs the Secretary to implement [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the national defense through empowerment of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the enhancement of the functions of the National Guard Bureau, and for other purposes. 1/30/2007--Introduced. National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs [...]

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Latest Action: 02/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the national defense through empowerment of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the enhancement of the functions of the National Guard Bureau, and for other purposes. 1/30/2007--Introduced. National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007 - Expands the: (1) authority of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (Bureau) to include membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) (and raises the grade of the Chief from lieutenant general to general); and (2) functions of the Bureau to include facilitating and coordinating, with other federal agencies and the states, the use of Guard personnel and resources for, and in, contingency operations, military operations other than war, natural disasters, and support of civil authorities. Directs the Chief to: (1) identify gaps between federal and state capabilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and (2) make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on Guard programs and [...]

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Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To establish a bipartisan commission on insurance reform.

1/17/2007--Introduced.

Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance Act of 2007 - Establishes the bipartisan Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance to assess: (1) the condition of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance markets in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, and the four major hurricanes that struck the United States in 2004; (2) the ongoing exposure of the United States to windstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and floods; and (3) recommend and report legislative and regulatory changes that will improve the domestic and international financial health and competitiveness of such markets.

Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S518)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a bipartisan commission on insurance reform.

1/12/2007--Introduced.

Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance Act of 2007 - Establishes the bipartisan Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk and Insurance to assess: (1) the condition of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance markets in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, and the four major hurricanes that struck the United States in 2004; (2) the ongoing exposure of the United States to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and floods; and (3) recommend and report legislative and regulatory changes that will improve the domestic and international financial health and competitiveness of such markets.

Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To establish a Federal program to provide reinsurance to improve the availability of homeowners' insurance.

1/9/2007--Introduced.

Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to implement a reinsurance coverage program available only through contracts for reinsurance coverage purchased at regional auctions.

States that the purpose of the program is to improve: (1) the availability of homeowners' insurance for the purpose of facilitating the pooling, and spreading the risk, of catastrophic financial losses from disasters; and (2) the solvency of the homeowners' insurance markets.

Prescribes implementation guidelines that include establishment: (1) in the Treasury of the Disaster Reinsurance Fund; and (2) of a National Commission on Catastrophe Risks and Insurance Loss Costs.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Bill Text
To establish a program to provide reinsurance for State natural catastrophe insurance programs to help the United States better prepare for and protect its citizens against the ravages of natural catastrophes, to encourage and promote mitigation and prevention for, and recovery and rebuilding from such catastrophes, and to better assist in the financial recovery from such catastrophes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage. Authorizes the Secretary to make homeowners protection coverage available through contracts for reinsurance coverage. Restricts purchase of such coverage to eligible state programs. Prescribes criteria for state eligibility. Requires each contract for reinsurance coverage to provide insurance [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the creation of disaster protection funds by property and casualty insurance companies for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from future catastrophic events.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods.