All Congressional publicity Legislation - Federal Government
H.RES.1003 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide increased accountability and transparency in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide increased accountability and transparency in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the composition of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Requires Committee members to be appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House and the minority leader: three from the majority party, three from the minority party, and four former Members who have not been registered lobbyists for the last two years. (Currently the Speaker picks five and the minority leader picks five.) Limits chairmanship of the Committee to a current Member only. Rotates chairmanship of the Committee between the two parties from Congress to Congress after the 111th Congress, regardless of which party is in the majority. Requires the chairmanship for the 111th Congress to be held by a member of the majority [...] show full description Comment on Bill H.RES.920 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the earmark point of order.
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the earmark point of order. 1/15/2008--Introduced. Additional Earmark Disclosure Resolution - Amends rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider a conference report unless the accompanying joint explanatory statement includes: (1) a list of congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, and limited tariff benefits (and the name of any requesting Member or Senator) that were not committed to the conference committee by either House, not in a report on such bill, or not in a report of a Senate committee on a companion measure; or (2) a statement that the proposition contains no congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits. Makes it out of order also to consider an amendment between the Houses to a bill or joint resolution unless the proponent has caused to be printed in the Congressional Record before [...] show full description H.RES.895 - Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1031, H. Res. 895 is considered passed House as amended. (consideration: CR H1534-1537; text as passed: CR H1534-1536) Bill Text Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) (Sec. 1) Establishes an independent Office of Congressional Ethics in the House of Representatives. Establishes a board to govern the Office, consisting of six individuals, three of them nominated by the Speaker of the House, subject to the Minority Leader's concurrence, and three by the Minority Leader, subject to the Speaker's concurrence. Requires the Speaker and the Minority Leader each to nominate an alternate board member, subject to their respective concurrence. Sets forth: (1) procedures for filling vacancies on the board; and (2) eligibility qualifications of board members. Requires the Speaker to designate one member of the board as chairman, and the Minority Leader to designate one as cochairman. Declares that selection and appointment of [...] show full description S.RES.401 - A resolution to provide Internet access to certain Congressional Research Service publications.
Latest Action: 12/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S15143-15144) Bill Text A resolution to provide Internet access to certain Congressional Research Service publications. 12/11/2007--Introduced. Directs the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, in consultation with the the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to make publicly available through a centralized electronic system the following CRS-produced information: (1) Issue Briefs; (2) Reports that are available to Members of Congress through the CRS website; and (3) Authorization of Appropriations and Appropriations Products.Exempts from such requirements: (1) any information determined to be confidential by the CRS Director or the head of a department or agency that provided the information to CRS; and (2) documents, other than those described in clauses (1) through (3), that are the product of a congressional research request.Allows the Sergeant at Arms, in consultation with the CRS Director, to revise the information made publicly available by removing information concerning [...] show full description H.RES.776 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that rescission bills always be considered under open rules every year, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that rescission bills always be considered under open rules every year, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Cut the Unnecessary Tab Resolution, or CUT Resolution - Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that would limit any amendment that would otherwise be in order to a rescission bill. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) to require the House Budget Committee, whenever a rescission bill passes the House, to reduce the applicable committee allocations by the total amount of resulting reductions in budget authority and outlays. Amends Rule XIII to require the Majority Leader to introduce a rescission bill by certain dates in each session. Makes any motion to discharge the committee from consideration of such a bill privileged 10 legislative days after its introduction,[...] show full description H.R.3550 - To require every Senator and Representative in, and Delegate and Resident Commissioner to, the Congress to obtain copies of the Constitution of the United States of America and distribute them to their staff and require that they all read such document.
Latest Action: 09/18/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1839) Bill Text To require every Senator and Representative in, and Delegate and Resident Commissioner to, the Congress to obtain copies of the Constitution of the United States of America and distribute them to their staff and require that they all read such document. 9/17/2007--Introduced.
AMERICA Act of 2007: A Modest Effort to Read and Instill the Constitution Again - Expresses the sense of Congress that since Members of Congress swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, write laws regarding the powers granted to the government, and propose constitutional amendments, they should be required to read this important document, including its amendments. Directs every Senator and Representative to obtain copies of the Constitution, distribute them to their staff, and require the staff to read it at least once during each session of Congress. H.RES.619 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that whenever a bill or joint resolution is introduced that amends existing law, the sponsor provide to the Clerk an electronic version of a comparative print, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that whenever a bill or joint resolution is introduced that amends existing law, the sponsor provide to the Clerk an electronic version of a comparative print, and for other purposes. 8/3/2007--Introduced.
Amends Rule XII (Receipt and Referral of Measures and Matters) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the reception or consideration in the House of any bill or joint resolution amending existing law unless the Member presenting it also presents an electronic version of a comparative print of any part of such measure proposing to amend any statute, and of the statute or part that is being amended, showing by appropriate typographical devices the omissions and insertions proposed. Requires the Clerk of the House to post on the Clerk's Internet website the electronic version of each such comparative print as soon as practicable after it is presented. H.R.2788 - To require each piece included in a mass mailing sent by a Member of the House of Representatives as franked mail to include a statement of the costs of producing and mailing the mass mailing, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. Bill Text To require each piece included in a mass mailing sent by a Member of the House of Representatives as franked mail to include a statement of the costs of producing and mailing the mass mailing, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--Introduced.
Franking Reform Adds Needed Knowledge Act of 2007, or the FRANK Act - Prohibits a Member of the House of Representatives, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to Congress (Member) from mailing any mass mailing as franked mail unless each piece included in such mailing contains a statement of the aggregate cost of this mailing to the taxpayer to produce and mail it. Requires the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, upon request of a Member, to assist the individual in obtaining such required information to be included in the mass mailing. H.RES.504 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 06/20/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that legislation and conference reports be available on the Internet for 72 hours before consideration by the House, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider a measure or matter until 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after its text (and, if any, the text of all accompanying reports) have been made available to Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner (Members), and the general public. Requires the full text of the legislation and each committee report, without further amendment before floor consideration, to be posted continuously by means of the Internet. Prohibits consideration in the House of a general appropriation bill reported by the Committee on Appropriations until 72 hours [...] show full description H.R.2687 - To amend title 39, United States Code, to prevent certain types of mail matter from being sent by a Member of the House of Representatives as part of a mass mailing.
Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdi Bill Text To amend title 39, United States Code, to prevent certain types of mail matter from being sent by a Member of the House of Representatives as part of a mass mailing. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Amends federal postal law to prohibit a Member of the House of Representatives from sending as part of a mass mailing: (1) the usual and customary congressional newsletter or press release which may deal with such matters as the impact of laws and decisions on state and local governments and individual citizens, reports on public and official actions taken by Members of Congress, and discussions of proposed or pending legislation or governmental actions and the positions of the Members of Congress on, and arguments for or against, such matters; (2) the usual and customary congressional questionnaire seeking public opinion on any law, pending or proposed legislation, public issue, or subject; or (3) mail matter expressing congratulations to a person who has achieved some public distinction. H.RES.484 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the budget process.
Latest Action: 06/12/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the budget process. 6/12/2007--Introduced. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) require conference reports to include Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimates in their accompanying joint statements if such legislation provides for new budget, spending, or credit authority, or otherwise provides an increase or decrease in revenues or tax expenditures; (2) prohibit consideration of such conference reports if the cost estimates are not included; and (3) require roll call votes on legislation authorizing or providing new budget authority of at least $50 million. Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) to require that any lists of congressional earmarks or limited tax or tariff benefits (and the name of the requesting Member), required for legislation reported or not reported by a committee or included in a conference report, be made publicly available on the Internet in [...] show full description H.R.2545 - To make available on the Internet, for purposes of access and retrieval by the public, certain information available through the Congressional Research Service web site.
Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. Bill Text To make available on the Internet, for purposes of access and retrieval by the public, certain information available through the Congressional Research Service web site. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Congressional Research Accessibility Act - Requires the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to make available through a centralized electronic database, for purposes of access by the public through the websites maintained by Members and committees of the House of Representatives, the following information: (1) CRS issue briefs; (2) CRS reports that are available to Members of Congress through the CRS website; and (3) CRS authorization of appropriations products and appropriations products. Excludes any information that is either confidential or the product of an individual, office, or committee research request. Requires the information to be made accessible between 30 and 40 days after the first day it is available to Members of Congress through the CRS website. [...] show full description H.R.2341 - 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.
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 [...] show full description H.R.2084 - To reform Federal budget procedures, to impose spending safeguards, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse, to account for accurate Government agency costs, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, Ways and Means, Appropriations, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such pro Bill Text To reform Federal budget procedures, to impose spending safeguards, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse, to account for accurate Government agency costs, and for other purposes. 5/1/2007--Introduced. Family Budget Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA) to eliminate the May 15 deadline for consideration of annual appropriations measures. Requires annual joint (currently, concurrent) budget resolutions signed by the President. Provides for an amendment to change the statutory limit on the public debt. Requires consideration of budget-related legislation before the budget resolution becomes law. Provides for establishment of a reserve fund for emergencies. Prescribes requirements for biennial budget resolutions, appropriations Acts, and government strategic and performance plans instead of annual ones if the President and Congress so agree. Provides spending caps on the growth of entitlements and mandatory [...] show full description H.CON.RES.109 - Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Budget. Bill Text Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2008, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009-FY2012. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts, for FY2008-FY2012, with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2008-FY2012. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Education and Labor: (4) Energy and Commerce; (5) Financial Services; (6) Foreign Affairs; (7) the Judiciary; (8) Natural Resources; (9) Transportation and Infrastructure;[...] show full description H.RES.284 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the point of order against the consideration of legislation that contains congressional earmarks.
Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen the point of order against the consideration of legislation that contains congressional earmarks. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that a point of order may be cognizable by the Chair against consideration of legislation if any list of earmarks, limited tax, and tariff benefits contained in the legislation, or any statement denying the existence of such items, is inaccurate. Requires inclusion on the required list of any provision or report language inserted by the chairman of a standing committee or any subcommittee with subject matter jurisdiction over the measure containing such provision or language that would be a congressional earmark, limited tax, or tariff benefit except that it was not requested by a Member, if such provision or report language is either targeted to the chairman's congressional district [...] show full description S.RES.123 - A resolution reforming the congressional earmark process.
Latest Action: 03/26/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3758-3759) Bill Text A resolution reforming the congressional earmark process. 3/26/2007--Introduced. Adds Rule XLIV (Earmarks) to the Standing Rules of the Senate to make it out of order to consider any Senate bill or joint resolution reported, or not reported, by a committee unless a list of all its congressional earmarks, limited tax or tariff benefits, and the name of the requesting Member is made available to the general public on the Internet for at least 48 hours before its consideration. Requires, if appropriate, a statement for the Internet, or if the legislation was not reported by a committee, publication in the Congressional Record, that the legislation contains no congressional earmarks or limited tax or tariff benefits. Makes it out of order to consider a conference report on such legislation if the joint explanatory statement does not include such list or disclaimer. Defines "limited tax benefit" as any revenue provision that: (1) provides a federal [...] show full description H.RES.231 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require all committees post record votes on their web sites within 48 hours of such votes.
Latest Action: 03/09/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules. Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require all committees post record votes on their web sites within 48 hours of such votes. 3/9/2007--Introduced.
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require all House Committees to post record votes on their web sites within 48 hours of such votes. Exempts record votes taken in executive sessions in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. H.R.1136 - To abolish the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in the House of Representatives, establish an Independent Ethics Commission, and provide for the transfer of the duties and functions of the committee to the Commission.
Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5335-5336) Bill Text To abolish the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in the House of Representatives, establish an Independent Ethics Commission, and provide for the transfer of the duties and functions of the committee to the Commission. 2/16/2007--Introduced. Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House to abolish the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Establishes within the legislative branch an Independent Ethics Commission to perform the duties of the Committee. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to transfer functions of the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to the Commission with respect to: (1) registration of lobbyists; (2) disclosure and enforcement; (3) penalties; and (4) rules of construction. Requires quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosure reports with the Commission in an electronic form to made available to the public free of charge over the [...] show full description H.RES.169 - Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that the lists of earmarks be made available to the general public on the Internet.
Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1694) Bill Text Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that the lists of earmarks be made available to the general public on the Internet. 2/15/2007--Introduced.
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that any lists of congressional earmarks, limited tax, and tariff benefits (and the name of the requesting Member), required for legislation reported or not reported by a committee or included in a conference report, be made publicly available on the Internet in a searchable format at least 48 hours before a measure's consideration. H.R.631 - To prohibit Federal agencies from obligating funds for earmarks included only in congressional reports, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement. Bill Text To prohibit Federal agencies from obligating funds for earmarks included only in congressional reports, and for other purposes. 1/23/2007--Introduced.
Earmark Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Prohibits a federal agency from obligating funds made available in an appropriation Act or other Act to implement an earmark that is included in a congressional report accompanying such legislation, unless the earmark is also included in the Act. Latest Action: 01/30/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade. Bill Text To establish a Congressional Trade Office. 1/18/2007--Introduced.
Establishes the Congressional Trade Office to advise Congress on trade policy. H.R.422 - To establish the Office of Public Integrity as an independent office within the legislative branch of the Government, to reduce the duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 01/11/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction Bill Text To establish the Office of Public Integrity as an independent office within the legislative branch of the Government, to reduce the duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate, and for other purposes. 1/11/2007--Introduced. Establishes as an independent office within the legislative branch the Office of Public Integrity to: (1) oversee financial disclosure and other reports filed by Members of Congress, congressional officers and employees, and registered lobbyists; (2) investigate alleged violations of any applicable rule or other standard of conduct; (3) present a case of probable ethics violations to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (ethics committees); and (4) make recommendations about reporting to the appropriate federal or state authorities any substantial evidence of a violation. Amends Rule XI (Procedures [...] show full description S.230 - A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process.
Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Bill Text A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Revises the Standing Rules of the Senate or prescribes requirements with respect to: (1) conference reports; (2) elimination of certain floor privileges and other benefits and privileges for former Members, Senate officers, and Speakers of the House who are lobbyists or seek financial gain; (3) a ban on gifts from lobbyists; (4) travel restrictions and disclosure; (5) post-employment restrictions; (6) public disclosure by Members of employment negotiations; (7) conflicts of interest with respect to a Member's spouse or immediate family members; (8) a Member's use of influence on certain hiring decisions; and (9) notices of intent to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act with respect to various specified disclosures by registered lobbyists [...] show full description H.R.272 - To require amounts remaining in Members' representational allowances at the end of a fiscal year to be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the Federal debt, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. Bill Text To require amounts remaining in Members' representational allowances at the end of a fiscal year to be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the Federal debt, and for other purposes. 1/5/2007--Introduced. Requires any amounts remaining of a House Member's Representational Allowance after all payments are made for the year to be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction or, in fiscal years for which there is no federal budget deficit, to reduce the federal debt. S.192 - A bill providing greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 02/27/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. Hearings held. Bill Text A bill providing greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Lobbying, Ethics, and Earmarks Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) with respect to lobbying disclosures reports, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to impose a one-year lobbying moratorium on departing Member or committee staff. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow U.S. officers and employees assigned to an Indian tribe, and former U.S. officers and employees employed by Indian tribes, to act as agents or attorneys for, or appear on behalf of, such tribes in connection with any matter pending before any department, agency, court, or commission. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment [...] show full description |
