Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9516)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize funding for the National Crime Victim Law Institute to provide support for victims of crime under Crime Victims Legal Assistance Programs as a part of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984.

9/25/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Justice for All Act of 2004 to extend through FY2013 funding for the grant program to provide legal assistance to victims of crime.

Latest Action: 10/15/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to authorize funding for the National Crime Victim Law Institute to provide support for victims of crime under Crime Victims Legal Assistance Programs as a part of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984.

10/15/2008--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the Justice for All Act of 2004 to extend through FY2013 funding for the grant program to provide legal assistance to victims of crime.

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for habeas corpus review for terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Enemy Combatant Detention Review Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to grant the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction of, and make it the exclusive venue for consideration of, all habeas corpus applications by or on behalf of any enemy combatant held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident (covered individual) that are pending on or filed on or after the enactment of this Act. Prescribes related procedures, including restrictions on oral testimony. Stays any such application until all Military Commission proceedings regarding the covered individual have been resolved. Requires release of a covered individual, for whom the District Court grants a writ application and orders release, into the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To provide for habeas corpus review for terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Enemy Combatant Detention Review Act of 2008 - Amends the federal judicial code to grant the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction of, and make it the exclusive venue for consideration of, all habeas corpus applications by or on behalf of any enemy combatant held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident (covered individual) that are pending on or filed on or after the enactment of this Act. Prescribes related procedures, including restrictions on oral testimony. Stays any such application until all Military Commission proceedings regarding the covered individual have been resolved. Requires release of a covered individual, for whom the District Court grants a writ of habeas corpus and orders release, into the custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security [...]

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Latest Action: 07/23/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7156)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a Federal Polygamy Task Force, to authorize assistance for victims of polygamy, and for other purposes. 7/23/2008--Introduced. Victims of Polygamy Assistance Act of 2008 - Establishes within the Department of Justice a Federal Polygamy Task Force to strengthen federal law enforcement activities and provide state and local law enforcement officials the assistance they need to address the illegal activity of one or more polygamist organizations. Requires the Federal Polygamy Task Force to: (1) formulate effective responses to the unique set of crimes committed by polygamist organizations; (2) establish partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to share relevant information and strengthen state and federal efforts to combat crimes perpetrated by polygamist organizations; (3) assist states by providing strategies and support for the protection of witnesses; (4) track the criminal behavior of polygamist organizations that cross state [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--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.) Reiterates condemnation of the 1994 attack on the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, honors the victims of the attack, and expresses sympathy to the victims' relatives. Applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the AMIA bombing investigation. Commends the General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) for upholding and issuing the Red Notices. Expresses concern regarding the government of Saudi Arabia's failure to detain certain Iranian officials in connection with the AMIA case. Urges: (1) all nations [...]

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Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--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.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...]

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Latest Action: 09/08/2008 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with amendments. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill 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. 5/22/2008--Introduced. William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to direct 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.)Directs the President to implement an anti-trafficking program monitoring system.Authorizes the President to establish the Paul D. Wellstone Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons.Sets forth protections for aliens who: (1) may be trafficking victims or who may testify against traffickers (including parole entry for certain family members); (2) are work-based nonimmigrants; (3) are domestic [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bill Text
To authorize law enforcement and security assistance, and assistance to enhance the rule of law and strengthen civilian institutions, for Mexico and the countries of Central America, and for other purposes. 6/10/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Assistance for Mexico - Subtitle A: Law Enforcement and Security Assistance - (Sec. 112) Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Mexico for: (1) counternarcotics and countertrafficking; (2) port, airport, and related security to assist in controlling the Mexico-U.S. and Mexico-Central America borders; (3) intelligence gathering operational technology; and (4) public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC). (Sec. 114) Prohibits assistance to any armed forces of Mexico or law enforcement unit [...]

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Latest Action: 04/29/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3461-5362; text as passed Senate: CR S3462; text of measure as introduced: CR S3514)

Bill Text
A resolution to authorize testimony and legal representation in State of Maine v. Douglas Rawlings, Jonathan Kreps, James Freeman, Henry Braun, Robert Shetterly, and Dudley Hendrick.

4/29/2008--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.)

Authorizes: (1) Carol Woodcock to testify in the cases of State of Maine v. Douglas Rawlings, Jonathan Kreps, James Freeman, Henry Braun, Robert Shetterly, and Dudley Hendrick, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Carol Woodcock, and any other employee of the Senator from whom evidence may be sought in such cases.

Latest Action: 12/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15033)

Bill Text
A bill to limit authority to delay notice of search warrants. 12/7/2007--Introduced. Reasonable Notice and Search Act - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions governing search warrants authorized under the USA PATRIOT ACT to: (1) limit the authority to delay notice of the issuance of such search warrants to cases involving danger to the life or physical safety of an individual, flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence sought by such warrants, or intimidation of potential witnesses; (2) require notification of the issuance of such warrants within seven days (currently, within a "reasonable period not to exceed 30 days") after execution; and (3) allow extensions of the delay in notification for additional periods of up to 21 days if the court finds that the execution of a warrant will endanger the life or physical safety of an individual or result in flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence sought by [...]

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Latest Action: 01/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish and protect the rights of victims of violent crimes.

12/6/2007--Introduced.

Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crime the rights: (1) to reasonable and timely notice of any public proceeding involving the crime and of any release or escape of the accused; (2) to not be excluded from such public proceeding and reasonably to be heard at public release, plea, sentencing, reprieve, and pardon proceedings; and (3) to adjudicative decisions that consider the victim's safety, interest in avoiding unreasonable delay, and just and timely claims to restitution from the offender. Prohibits any restriction of such rights except as dictated by a substantial interest in public safety or the administration of criminal justice, or by other compelling necessity.

Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S14658; text as passed Senate: CR S14658; text of measure as introduced: CR S14643)

Bill Text
A resolution to authorize testimony and legal representation in State of Nebraska v. Pamir J. Safi.

11/16/2007--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.)

Authorizes: (1) Dorothy Anderson and Blayne Garth Glissman, Jr. to testify in the case of State of Nebraska v. Pamir J. Safi, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Dorothy Anderson and Blayne Garth Glissman, Jr. in such case.

Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - 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 the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to prohibit States from refusing to accept balloting materials solely because the materials are generated through the use of a computer program, are not printed on a specific type of paper, or do not otherwise meet similar extraneous requirements which are not clearly necessary to prevent fraud in the conduct of elections, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to rename the official post card form containing both an absentee voter registration application and an absentee ballot application the Federal Voter Registration and Ballot Application. Prohibits states from refusing to accept balloting materials on any of specified grounds, including that the materials are not printed on a post card, do not include certain information, are not notarized or witnessed by an authorized [...]

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Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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 com

Bill Text
To amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to promote the participation of absent overseas voters in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. 11/14/2007--Introduced. Overseas Voting Education and Reform, Safeguarding Every American's Vote Act, or OVERSEAS Vote Act - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to prohibit a state from refusing to accept or process any otherwise valid absentee ballot submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the envelope in which the ballot is submitted is not notarized or witnessed by a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths. Repeals the requirement to apply for state absentee ballot as a condition for use of a federal write-in absentee ballot. Permits voters to request absentee ballots in all subsequent elections. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to establish and operate a program [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13451-13452)

Bill Text
A bill to fight crime. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Crime Control and Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, and other federal laws to establish and reauthorize programs to prevent and control crime. Reauthorizes and expands the program for community-oriented policing services (COPS program). Authorizes the hiring of an additional 1,000 agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in FY2008-FY2012. Authorizes the hiring of additional Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.Establishes a National Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice to study the role of law enforcement after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for: (1) early Head [...]

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Latest Action: 10/29/2007 - Reported by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 110-413.

Bill Text
To provide nationwide subpoena authority for actions brought under the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund of 2001.

10/29/2007--Reported to 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.)

Procedural Fairness for September 11 Victims Act of 2007 - Amends the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund of 2001 to allow a subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a trial or hearing conducted under such Act to be served at any place in the United States.

Latest Action: 11/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To expand and improve Federal gang prevention programs. 10/22/2007--Introduced. Gang Reduction, Investment, and Prevention Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) designate and provide assistance to high-intensity gang activity areas in specified states and localities; (2) make grants to develop community-based programs for gang members and high-risk youth; (3) expand the Project Safe Neighborhoods program; (4) expand the Safe Streets Program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to support criminal street gang enforcement teams; and (5) make grants for demonstration projects to carry out innovative approaches to combat gang activity.Directs the Attorney General to establish a National Gang Activity Database to provide information to law enforcement agencies about criminal street gangs.Directs the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a National Gang Research, Evaluation, and Policy Institute to implement programs [...]

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