Latest Action: 09/25/2008 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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 amend titles 46 and 18, United States Code, with respect to the operation of submersible vessels and semi-submersible vessels without nationality.

9/25/2008--Introduced.

Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or attempting or conspiring to operate by any means, or for embarking in, any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Imposes an additional civil fine of up to $1 million for violations.

Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Presented to President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles 46 and 18, United States Code, with respect to the operation of submersible vessels and semi-submersible vessels without nationality.

9/25/2008--Introduced.

Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 15 years for knowingly operating or attempting or conspiring to operate by any means, or for embarking in, any submersible or semi-submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating or has navigated into, through, or from waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country or a lateral limit of that country's territorial sea with an adjacent country, with the intent to avoid detection. Imposes an additional civil fine of up to $1 million for violations.

Latest Action: 09/30/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. 9/22/2008--Introduced. Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Amends federal transportation laws to extend funding from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2009, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Authorizes obligation at any time during FY2009 of funds made available by this Act. Prescribes a formula for calculating funding apportionments to implement the program. Extends through March 31, 2009,[...]

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Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 110-862, by Mr. Price (NC).

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 9/18/2008--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for: (1) the Offices of the Secretary, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General; (2) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for customs and border protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology; (3) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including for detention and removal operations (including to identify and remove aliens who have been convicted of a crime once they are judged deportable) and the Federal Protective Service; (4) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for screening operations and procurement and installation [...]

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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.
Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

Bill Text
To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. 9/9/2008--Introduced. National Capital Security and Safety Act - Requires the District of Columbia to revise its firearms laws and regulations as necessary to comply with the requirements of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to direct the District Mayor and Council to ensure that such Act and its related regulations are consistent with the requirements of District of Columbia v. Heller and the criteria of this Act. Specifies as such criteria the need to ensure that nothing in the revisions to FCRA will: (1) place at risk the safety and security of federal buildings, other federal interests in the District, federal employees, or the people who reside in or visit the District; (2) interfere with the operations of federal law enforcement officials, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Dodd. With written report No. 110-443.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions with respect to Iran, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran, and for other purposes.
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.
Latest Action: 10/03/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the Select Agent Program by amending the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 and to improve oversight of high containment laboratories. 7/30/2008--Introduced. Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to reauthorize appropriations for the Select Agent Program, which lists and controls biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety. Requires appropriate training of individuals handling or using such agents and toxins.Includes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) among the federal agencies limited in the disclosure of information related to listed agents or toxins.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review and make recommendations for improving the Select Agent [...]

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Latest Action: 08/31/2008 - Cleared for White House.

Bill Text
A bill to resolve pending claims against Libya by United States nationals, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Libyan Claims Resolution Act - States that Congress supports the President's efforts to provide fair compensation to all U.S. nationals who have terrorism-related claims against Libya as part of the process of restoring normal U.S.-Libya relations. Defines "claims agreement" as a binding international agreement between the United States and Libya that provides for the settlement of terrorism-related claims of U.S. nationals against Libya through fair compensation Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consultation with the appropriate congressional committees, to designate one or more entities to assist in providing compensation to U.S. nationals pursuant [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 43. Record Vote Number: 192. (consideration: CR S7722; text: CR S7722)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes. 7/24/2008--Introduced. Jobs, Energy, Families, and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various provisions relating to energy production and conservation and to individual and business-related activities.Extends the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities through 2009 and the tax credit for closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation, hydropower, landfill gas, and trash combustion facilities through 2011. Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource for purposes of such tax credit. Extends the energy tax credit for solar energy and the residential energy efficient property tax credit through 2016. Extends the energy tax credits for fuel cell and microturbine property through 2017. Allows a new investment tax credit for combined heat and power system property.[...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8015)

Bill Text
A resolution welcoming home Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves, three citizens of the United States who were held hostage for over five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after their plane crashed on February 13, 2003. 8/1/2008--Passed 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.) Welcomes Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves home to the United States after being held for over five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Celebrates with the families and relatives of the hostages who kept faith despite being unsure of the fates of their family members. Expresses gratitude to the government and military of Colombia for rescuing the hostages and applauds the U.S. government's contribution to this effort. Calls for [...]

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Latest Action: 09/29/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.

Bill Text
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to impose requirements for the improvement of security camera and video surveillance systems at certain airports, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 08/01/2008 - Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8014-8015; text as passed Senate: CR S8015)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the bombings of the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and memorializing the citizens of the United States, Kenya, and Tanzania whose lives were claimed as a result of the al Qaeda led terrorist attacks. 8/1/2008--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.) Recognizes the historic significance of the 10th anniversary of the al Qaeda bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Mourns the loss of those killed and remembers their families and colleagues. Expresses gratitude to the people of Kenya and Tanzania for their assistance following the attacks and reaffirms support for their striving for future democracy and prosperity. Reaffirms the Senate's [...]

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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: 07/24/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Bill Text
To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues.

7/23/2008--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.)

National Energy Security Intelligence Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress a national intelligence assessment on national security and energy security issues relating to rapidly escalating energy costs, including: (1) the short- and long-term outlook for prices, supply, and demand for key forms of energy such as crude oil, natural gas, and alternative fuels; (2) the plans and intentions of key energy-producing and exporting nations with respect to energy production and supply; and (3) the national security implications.

Latest Action: 07/14/2008 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6670-6671; text as passed Senate: CR S6670-6671; text of measure as introduced: CR S6653-6654)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that President George W. Bush, President Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and other participants in the 2008 Group of Eight (G8) Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan should work together to foster a more constructive relationship, and that the Government of the Russian Federation should eschew behaviors that are inconsistent with the Group's objectives of protecting global security, economic stability, and democracy.
Latest Action: 07/07/2008 - Committee on Finance. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Baucus. With written report No. 110-408. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to impose sanctions on Iran and for other purposes. 7/7/2008--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.) Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress concerning a variety of existing and proposed sanctions against Iran. (Sec. 4) States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the President to use military force against Iran. (Sec. 5) Defines specified terms. (Sec. 6) Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand the definition of "person" to include: (1) a financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, or any other business organization, including any foreign subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of one of the foregoing; and (2) an export credit agency that is a governmental entity operating [...]

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Latest Action: 07/11/2008 - Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6611)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Administration.

7/11/2008--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.)

Congratulates the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on its 35th anniversary, honors the heroic sacrifice of its employees, and gives heartfelt thanks to the men and women of the DEA for their efforts to defend the people of the United States from illegal drugs and terrorism.