All Government publications Legislation - Federal Government
H.R.5968 - To require assurances that certain family planning service projects and programs will provide pamphlets containing the contact information of adoption centers.
Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Bill Text To require assurances that certain family planning service projects and programs will provide pamphlets containing the contact information of adoption centers. 5/5/2008--Introduced.
Adoption Information Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require family planning service projects or programs, as a condition of receiving certain grants or contracts, to assure the Secretary of Health and Human Services that they will provide each person who inquires about their services with a pamphlet containing a comprehensive list of adoption centers in their state. Directs the Secretary to prepare, annually update, and distribute such pamphlets to such projects or programs. Comment on Bill H.R.5831 - To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to provide injured members of the Armed Forces information concerning benefits.
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Bill Text To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to provide injured members of the Armed Forces information concerning benefits. 4/17/2008--Introduced.
Separating Servicemember Handbook Development Act - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain, in a handbook and on a publically-available Internet website, a comprehensive description of the compensation and other benefits to which an Armed Forces member, and the family of the member, would be entitled on separation or retirement resulting from a serious injury or illness. Requires that the handbook be provided to each member as soon as practicable following an injury or illness for which the member may retire or separate. H.R.5830 - To create a voluntary FHA program that provides mortgage refinancing assistance to allow families to stay in their homes, protect neighborhoods, and help stabilize the housing market.
Latest Action: 05/05/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-619. Bill Text To create a voluntary FHA program that provides mortgage refinancing assistance to allow families to stay in their homes, protect neighborhoods, and help stabilize the housing market. 5/5/2008--Reported to House amended. (There is 1 other summary) FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Title I: Homeownership Retention - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, which shall establish and oversee a program for insuring homeownership retention mortgages. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any homeownership retention mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Sets forth mortgagor eligibility criteria, including mortgagor certification that: (1) the residence is the only residence in which the mortgagor has any present [...] show full description H.R.5759 - To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2212) Bill Text To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes. 4/10/2008--Introduced.
English as the Official Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute. Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English. H.R.5664 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary.
Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Bill Text To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary. 5/20/2008--Passed House amended. (There are 2 other summaries)
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 15, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make available to veterans eligible for specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans, without cost to the veterans, a handbook containing appropriate designs for specially adapted housing. Requires the Secretary, at least every six years, to update the handbook to take into account any new or unique disabilities, including vision impairments, impairments specific to the upper limbs, and burn injuries. S.2765 - A bill to strengthen and permanently preserve social security.
Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. Bill Text A bill to strengthen and permanently preserve social security. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Saving Social Security Act of 2008 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part B (Investment-Based Social Security) outlining a new program to allow any individual born on or after January 1, 1963, and meeting certain criteria, to receive Social Security benefits from a portion of their wages or self-employment income that has been contributed to a designated Social Security savings account for employees (SAFE Account) for investment. Guarantees a total monthly benefit to be not less than the monthly benefit promised under the current OASDI program (which is redesignated as part A (Debt-Based Social Security)). Allows certain individuals to elect to waive SAFE account eligibility. Establishes in the Treasury a SAFE Investment Fund which shall be maintained in the same manner as the Thrift Savings Fund (for [...] show full description H.R.5543 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to increase the retirement security of women and small business owners, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the commi Bill Text To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to increase the retirement security of women and small business owners, and for other purposes. 3/6/2008--Introduced. Women's Retirement Security Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require certain small employers who do not provide retirement plans for their employees to allow eligible employees to participate in a payroll deposit individual retirement account arrangement (automatic IRA); (2) expand eligibility for the tax credit for retirement savings contributions (saver's credit) and make such credit refundable; (3) allow certain part-time employees to participate in qualified cash or deferred arrangements; (4) allow the transfer of up to $500 of unused health plan benefits to qualified retirement plans; (5) treat wage replacement income (e.g., disability pay or unemployment compensation) as earned income for purposes of IRA contribution limits; (6) allow [...] show full description S.2717 - A bill to provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 602. Bill Text A bill to provide for enhanced Federal enforcement of, and State and local assistance in the enforcement of, the immigration laws of the United States, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Introduced. Effective Immigration Enforcement Partnerships Act of 2008 - States that state and local law enforcement personnel are fully authorized in the normal course of their duties to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local enforcement entity request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation [...] show full description S.2715 - A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 03/06/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 600. Bill Text A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Introduced.
National Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute. Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English. H.R.5496 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish various programs for the recruitment and retention of public health workers and to eliminate critical public health workforce shortages in Federal, State, local, and tribal public health agencies.
Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. Bill Text To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish various programs for the recruitment and retention of public health workers and to eliminate critical public health workforce shortages in Federal, State, local, and tribal public health agencies. 2/26/2008--Introduced. Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Public Health Workforce Scholarship Program to assure an adequate supply of public health professionals to eliminate critical public health preparedness workforce shortages in federal, state, local, and tribal public health agencies by offering four-year scholarships in return for employment at such agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program to provide for the repayment of loans incurred by individuals in the pursuit of the relevant public health preparedness workforce educational [...] show full description S.2561 - A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War.
Latest Action: 09/16/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman without amendment. Without written report. Bill Text A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War. 1/28/2008--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct a national historic landmark theme study to identify sites and resources in the United States that are significant to the Cold War; (2) establish the Cold War Advisory Committee; and (3) prepare and publish an interpretive handbook on such War and disseminate information gathered through the study. H.R.5139 - To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War.
Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. Bill Text To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a theme study to identify sites and resources to commemorate and interpret the Cold War. 1/28/2008--Introduced. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) conduct a national historic landmark theme study to identify sites and resources in the United States that are significant to the Cold War; (2) establish the Cold War Advisory Committee; and (3) prepare and publish an interpretive handbook on such War and disseminate information gathered through the study. H.R.4226 - To accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances that will limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research. Bill Text To accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by establishing a market-driven system of greenhouse gas tradeable allowances that will limit greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, reduce dependence upon foreign oil, and ensure benefits to consumers from the trading in such allowances, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Climate Stewardship and Economic Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by covered entities (specified entities that own or control a source of GHG emissions in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors of the U.S. economy that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to all entities.Establishes a program for the market-driven [...] show full description H.R.4196 - To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to improve public notification and community relations concerning actions for the removal of environmental hazards.
Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Bill Text To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to improve public notification and community relations concerning actions for the removal of environmental hazards. 11/15/2007--Introduced. National Public Notification of Environmental Hazards Act of 2007 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the President to revise the national contingency plan to provide for improved public notification and community relations in the case of a response action.Requires the head of the lead agency for a response action to: (1) designate a spokesperson, who shall provide notice of the action, respond to inquiries, and provide information to the public; (2) issue a press release within a specified time frame; (3) ensure coordination of press releases and other statements; (4) establish a public information office at or near the response site; (5) establish at least one local information [...] show full description S.2343 - A bill to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to require mortgage originators to make their fees more transparent.
Latest Action: 11/13/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14298-14299) Bill Text A bill to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to require mortgage originators to make their fees more transparent. 11/13/2007--Introduced. Real Estate Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify requirements governing settlement statements. Requires the originator of a federally related mortgage loan to provide, within three days of a loan application, a written agreement to the applicant itemizing all of the fees the originator may charge at or before loan settlement, including origination, underwriting, and broker fees. Excludes from such requirement bona fide discount points payable by the borrower to reduce the loan's interest rate. Requires an originator fee agreement to set out the following fee payment methods: (1) paying in cash before or at settlement; (2) adding such fees into the total loan amount to be borrowed; and (3) increasing the loan's interest rate. Requires: (1) written and [...] show full description H.R.4114 - To modify certain provisions of law relating to torture.
Latest Action: 12/03/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. Bill Text To modify certain provisions of law relating to torture. 11/8/2007--Introduced.
American Anti-Torture Act of 2007 - Amends the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 to prohibit any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) from being subject to any treatment or technique of interrogation not authorized by and listed in the U.S. Army Field Manual on Intelligence Interrogation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable with respect to any person in the custody or control of the United States (under current law, the Department of Defense) pursuant to a U.S. criminal or immigration law. S.2291 - A bill to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style of Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman without amendment. With written report No. 110-412. Bill Text A bill to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style of Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes. 7/10/2008--Reported to 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.)Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 - Requires each executive agency, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the enactment of this Act. Defines "covered document" to include: (1) documents that provide information about any government requirement or program or that are relevant to obtaining any government benefit or service; and (2) letters, publications, forms, notices, or instructions.Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) [...] show full description H.R.4031 - To establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the Act, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 01/15/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. Bill Text To establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the Act, and for other purposes. 10/31/2007--Introduced. Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to: (1) authorize a tribal organization to establish a boxing commission; (2) prohibit arranging, promoting, or fighting in a match unless the match is approved by the United States Boxing Commission (USBC) and held in a State or on tribal land that regulates matches in accordance with USBC standards; (3) require specified pre-fight boxer physical examinations and to require the continuous presence during any match of an ambulance and emergency medical personnel; (4) provide for boxing registration with the appropriate boxing commission of an Indian tribe; (5) require a health and safety disclosure to a boxer when issuing an identification card and to establish procedures for review of a summary suspension; (6) require the USBC to develop guidelines for boxing contracting [...] show full description H.R.3990 - To reduce sexual assault and domestic violence involving members of the Armed Forces and their family members and partners through enhanced programs of prevention and deterrence, enhanced programs of victims services, and strengthened provisions for prosecution of assailants, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Bill Text To reduce sexual assault and domestic violence involving members of the Armed Forces and their family members and partners through enhanced programs of prevention and deterrence, enhanced programs of victims services, and strengthened provisions for prosecution of assailants, and for other purposes. 10/29/2007--Introduced. Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act - Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) an Office of the Victims' Advocate to facilitate access to services for victims of domestic or family violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the military. Directs the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office, to require DOD policies for victim assistance, family advocacy, and equal opportunity programs to provide for a victims' advocates program within each military department. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts to: (1) support DOD crisis intervention services for victims of such violence; and (2) provide training [...] show full description H.R.3887 - To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 12/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Bill Text To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, to enhance measures to combat trafficking in persons, and for other purposes. 12/4/2007--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Title I: Combatting International Trafficking in Persons - (Sec. 101) Amends the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) to include the Secretary of Education on the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. (Current law authorizes such Office's establishment.) Revises responsibilities of the Director of the Office. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should locate the Office at the Department of State (Department) headquarters [...] show full description H.R.3796 - To amend the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to minimize the adverse effects of employment dislocation, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 110-410. Bill Text To amend the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to minimize the adverse effects of employment dislocation, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Reported to House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," "mass layoff", and "employees" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees (including part-time employees) and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance,[...] show full description H.R.3548 - To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style for Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 929. Bill Text To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style for Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes. 4/14/2008--Passed House amended. (There is 1 other summary) Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Requires each executive agency, within one year, to: (1) use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) use the English language in covered documents when appropriate. Authorizes agencies to: (1) use plain language in any revision of a covered document issued on or before such date; and (2) follow the guidance of the Plain English Handbook published by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Plain Language Guidelines, or their own plain language guidance as long as it is consistent with such Handbook, Guidelines, and the Comptroller General's [...] |
