Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Bill Text
To restructure the Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater Program, and for other purposes. 9/27/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Title I: Integrated Deepwater Program - Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating from using a private sector entity as a lead systems integrator (LSI) for Integrated Deepwater Program (IDP) acquisitions, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary and the IDP LSI, subject to exception, to use full and open competition for any IDP acquisition for which an outside contractor is used. Prohibits an LSI and any tier 1 subcontractor from having a financial interest in a subcontractor below the tier 1, subject to exception. (Sec. 103) Requires any IDP contract, delivery order, or task order to require, among other things, that: (1) IDP procurement certifications be conducted by the Secretary or [...]

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Latest Action: 10/21/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 513 6th Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky, as the "Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ray Carnes Post Office".

10/21/2008--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.)

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 513 6th Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky, as the "Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ray Carnes Post Office."

Latest Action: 10/13/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-399.

Bill Text
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 156 Taunton Avenue in Seekonk, Massachusetts, as the "Lance Corporal Eric Paul Valdepenas Post Office Building".

10/13/2008--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.)

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 156 Taunton Avenue in Seekonk, Massachusetts, as the "Lance Corporal Eric Paul Valdepenas Post Office Building."

Latest Action: 09/11/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8455; text as passed Senate: CR S8455; text of measure as introduced: CR S8417-8418)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the terrorist attacks committed against the United States of America on September 11, 2001. 9/11/2008--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.) Recognizes September 11, 2008, as a day of solemn commemoration of the events of September 11, 2001. Offers condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the victims and, in doing so, risked and often gave their own lives. Recognizes the service, actions, and sacrifices of U.S. personnel who have given so much to support our freedom and defend our security. [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7909-7910)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces with post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or other mental health disorders, to enhance the capacity of mental health providers to assist such veterans and members, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Healing Our Nation's Heroes Act of 2008 - Establishes a commission on veterans and members of the Armed Forces (members) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health disorders caused by military service. Requires the commission to: (1) oversee the monitoring and treatment of veterans and members with such disorders; and (2) conduct a study of the long-term adverse consequences of such disorders for such veterans and members. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to carry out a program, to be known as the Heroes-to-Healers Program, to assist veterans and members separating from service to: (1) obtain [...]

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Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9179-9185)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) and its significance in the history of both our Nation and the world. 9/22/2008--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.) Recognizes the historic significance of the journey to, and successful crossing of, the North Pole by the USS Nautilus. Commends its officers and crew on the 50th anniversary of such achievement. Recognizes the Nautilus's journey as not only a military and scientific accomplishment, but also in confirming America's long-standing interest in that vital region. Commends the role of the Nautilus and the U.S. submarine force in protecting the interests of the free world during the Cold War. Supports the continuing role of the U.S. submarine force in defending our [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7973)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the strategic success of the troop surge in Iraq and expressing gratitude to the members of the United States Armed Forces who made that success possible. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Commends and expresses gratitude to: (1) the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for the service, sacrifices, and heroism that made the success of the troop surge in Iraq possible; and (2) General David H. Petraeus, General Raymond Odierno, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker for the distinguished wartime leadership that made such success possible. Recognizes the success of the troop surge in Iraq and its strategic significance in advancing U.S. vital national interests in Iraq, the Middle East, and the world, in particular as a strategic victory in a central front of the war on terrorism. Recognizes that the gains achieved as a result of the troop surge are significant but not permanent, and that it is imperative that no action be taken that jeopardizes those gains [...]

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Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman without amendment. Without written report.

Bill Text
A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Main Street in Waterville, New York, as the "Corporal John P. Sigsbee Post Office".

7/23/2008--Introduced.

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Main Street in Waterville, New York, as the "Corporal John P. Sigsbee Post Office."

Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes for the benefits, and for other purposes. 7/22/2008--Introduced. Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2008 or PRO-VETS Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications [...]

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Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7078-7079; text as passed Senate: CR S7078-7079; text of measure as introduced: CR S7077-7078)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces.

7/22/2008--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.)

Recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the integration of the Armed Forces.

Reaffirms the commitment of the federal government to ensuring diversity in the military.

Commends African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, and service members of all races and nationalities for their achievements, sacrifices, and contributions to our Armed Forces in all conflicts in U.S. history in the face of discrimination, hostility, and other obstacles.

Latest Action: 07/18/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Leahy under authority of the order of the Senate of 01/04/2007. With written report No. 110-425.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/18/2008--Introduced. Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes FY2009 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the civilian stabilization initiative; (3) the Capital Investment Fund; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) representation allowances; (7) protection of foreign missions and officials; (8) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (9) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (10) the repatriation loans program account; (11) the American Institute in Taiwan; (12) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (13) international organizations, peacekeeping, and [...]

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Latest Action: 08/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To provide veterans with individualized notice about available benefits, to streamline application processes for the benefits, and for other purposes. 7/15/2008--Introduced. Providing Real Outreach for Veterans Act of 2008 or PRO-VETS Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense for the transfer of data to the Secretary for providing members of the Armed Forces and veterans with individualized information concerning veterans' benefits that each member and veteran may be eligible for. Requires the Secretary, after receiving such data, to: (1) compile a list of all benefits for which each member or veteran may be eligible; (2) notify the member or veteran (or their legal representative) of such benefits; and (3) provide a second notification if the member or veteran does not apply for a listed benefit within 60 days, as well as annual notifications thereafter. Requires additional notifications based [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H6347)

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to establish reduced air fares and more flexible terms for members of the Armed Forces on active duty.

7/9/2008--Introduced.

Homecoming Help for Our Heroes Act - Amends federal transportation law to require an air carrier to: (1) offer reduced-price air transportation to active duty members of the Armed Forces; and (2) offer flexible terms that allow such members of the Armed Forces to purchase, modify, or cancel air tickets without time restrictions, fees, or penalties.

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - By Senator Baucus from Committee on Finance filed written report. Report No. 110-444.

Bill Text
A joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

7/23/2008--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.)

Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

Latest Action: 06/12/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5634)

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

6/12/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes, on the 12th anniversary of that attack, the service and sacrifice of the 19 members of the U.S. Air Force who died in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers U.S. military housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Calls upon the people of the United States to pause and pay tribute to those brave members of the Air Force.

Extends the continued sympathies of Congress to the families of those who died.

Assures the members of the Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world that their well-being and interests will at all times be given the highest priority.

Latest Action: 06/20/2008 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A concurrent resolution honoring Army Specialist Monica L. Brown, of Lake Jackson, Texas, extending gratitude to her and her family, and pledging continuing support for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

6/18/2008--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.)

Honors Army Specialist Monica L. Brown, who risked her life to save the lives of fellow wounded soldiers while serving in Afghanistan.

Pledges continued support for the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Latest Action: 06/10/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5457-5458; text as passed Senate: CR S5458; text of measure as introduced: CR S5455)

Bill Text
A resolution celebrating the 233rd birthday of the Army and commending the men and women of the Army as exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

6/10/2008--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.)

Celebrates the 233rd birthday of the Army.

Salutes the men and women of the Army and their families.

Commends such men and women as exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

Recognizes them as the reason why the Army continues to: (1) stand as the best army in the world; and (2) perform extraordinary tasks while upholding its hallowed traditions.

Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, relating to equitable relief with respect to a State or private employer, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Improving SCRA and USERRA Protections Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires (current law authorizes) the appropriate U.S. district court to use its equity powers in any case in which the court determines it is appropriate, including injunctive relief, to fully vindicate a veteran's employment or reemployment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) with respect to a state or private employer. (Sec. 3) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to require an institution of higher education, when a servicemember is ordered to military service and withdraws or takes a leave of absence from such institution, to: (1) provide a credit or refund to the servicemember of tuition and fees paid for the portion of the [...]

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Latest Action: 09/10/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs referred to Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security.

Bill Text
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the "Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building".

6/9/2008--Introduced.

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the "Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building."

Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5218-5219)

Bill Text
A resolution declaring June 6, 2008, a national day of prayer and rededication for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their mission.

6/5/2008--Introduced.

Designates June 6, 2008, as a national day of prayer and rededication for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their mission.

Encourages Americans to join the Senate in such national day by reflecting on President Roosevelt's D-Day radio prayer.

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: 07/30/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-287.

Bill Text
Approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. 7/24/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 23, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Approves the renewal of certain import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 7, 2017. Amends the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 to increase the amount of any corporate estimated tax installment otherwise due by a corporation with assets of not less than $1 billion for the third quarter of 2013 by 0.25% of such amount. Deems this resolution a renewal resolution which shall take effect upon its enactment [...]

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Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To amend chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to allow members of the Armed Forces to sue the United States for damages for certain injuries caused by improper medical care and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to allow claims for damages to be brought against the United States for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces arising out of a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the performance of medical, dental, or related health care functions that: (1) takes place other than in the context of combat; and (2) is provided by persons acting within the scope of their office or employment by or at the direction of the Armed Forces, whether inside or outside the United States. Provides for a reduction of claims under this Act by the present value of other benefits attributable to such death or injury received by the member and by that member's [...]

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Latest Action: 10/07/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the "Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building".

10/7/2008--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.)

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Tallapoosa Street in Bremen, Georgia, as the "Sergeant Paul Saylor Post Office Building."

Latest Action: 06/17/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-245.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel, and for other purposes. 6/17/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on May 20, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 -Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits and incentives for military personnel.Title I: Benefits for Military - (Sec 101) Exempts married taxpayers who file a joint tax return from the identification requirement for the 2008 recovery tax rebate if at least one of the filers is a current member of the Armed Forces.(Sec. 102) Makes permanent the election to treat combat zone compensation as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit. (Sec. 103) Makes permanent the exemption from the first-time homebuyer rule for veterans using mortgage [...]

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Latest Action: 05/21/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed in support of a contingency operation. 5/20/2008--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.) Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment,[...]

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