Latest Action: 12/19/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A joint resolution ensuring that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of State are those which were in effect on January 1, 2007. 12/10/2008--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.) States that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of State shall be those in effect January 1, 2007, notwithstanding any increase in such compensation or emoluments after that date under any provision of law or provision which has the force and effect of law, that is enacted or becomes effective during the period beginning at noon of January 3, 2007, and ending at noon of January 3, 2013. States that: (1) any person aggrieved by an action of the Secretary may bring a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (under a three-judge [...]

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Latest Action: 09/09/2008 - Ms. Jackson-Lee moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Bill Text
Supporting the values and goals of the "Joint Action Plan Between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of the United States of America to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality", signed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Brazilian Minister of Racial Integration Edson Santos on March 13, 2008. 9/9/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Recognizes the need to promote equality and continue to work toward eliminating racial discrimination in the United States and Brazil. Commends Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Brazilian Minister of Racial Integration Edson Santos for signing the "Joint Action Plan Between the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of the United States of America to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality." Supports continued U.S. involvement in the United States-Brazil Joint [...]

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Latest Action: 06/02/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight.

Bill Text
To establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an independent agency, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2008 or the FEMA Act - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates the Director as the principal advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States. Directs the President to designate the Director to serve as a Cabinet member in the event of specified disasters. Establishes as FEMA's primary mission to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural and man-made disasters, through a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness,[...]

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Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4488-4489)

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A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to improve the educational awards provided for national service, and for other purposes. 5/20/2008--Introduced. AmeriCorps: Together Improving Our Nation Act or the ACTION Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to alter the formula for determining the amount of the national service educational award to base the award on the average cost of attending a four-year institution of higher education, rather than a portion of a veteran's basic educational assistance allowance. Excludes the national service educational award from an individual's gross income for tax purposes. Permits the Corporation for National and Community Service to support a national service program that is carried out by another federal agency and implements the priorities of such agency. Makes Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation a Cabinet position. Raises the Officer's compensation to Level I of the [...]

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Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of the owners of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, beginning April 21, 2008. 4/28/2008--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 the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners during National Small Business Week beginning April 21, 2008. Honors the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes that small businesses are essential to restoring the country's economic health. Recognizes the vital role of Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, employees, and resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Urges the President to ensure that: (1) reasonable rules relating to the federal contract procurement [...]

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Latest Action: 04/10/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a tax on the amount of wages in excess of the contribution and benefit base, and for other purposes.

4/10/2008--Introduced.

Social Security Forever Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals an additional employment tax for wages in excess of the social security contribution and benefit base.

Requires all Treasury securities to bear a facsimile of the signatures of the President and the Secretary of the Treasury.

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

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Expressing sincere congratulations to the United States Navy and the Department of Defense for successfully intercepting the disabled National Reconnaissance Office satellite, NROL-21, on February 20, 2008.

2/27/2008--Introduced.

Congratulates the Department of Defense (DOD), Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the Department of the Navy, and the crews of the USS Lake Erie, the USS Decatur, and the USS Russell for successfully intercepting the disabled National Reconnaissance Office satellite, NROL-21, on February 20, 2008.

Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13195)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an independent agency, and for other purposes. 10/22/2007--Introduced. Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2007 or the FEMA Act - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates the Director as the principal advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States. Directs the President to designate the Director to serve as a Cabinet member in the event of specified disasters.Establishes as FEMA's primary mission to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural and man-made disasters, through a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system [...]

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Latest Action: 10/16/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
To provide for a reporting requirement regarding communications between the Department of Justice and the White House relating to civil and criminal investigations, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Introduced. Security from Political Interference in Justice Act of 2007 - Defines "covered communication" as any communication relating to an ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) civil or criminal investigation (regardless of whether a civil or criminal indictment or information has been filed). Excludes from such definition any communication relating to policy appointments, legislation, rulemaking, budgets, public relations, programmatic matters, intergovernmental relations, administrative or personnel matters, appellate litigation, or requests for legal advice. Defines "covered Department of Justice officer" as the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Associate Attorney General. Defines "covered White House officer" as the [...]

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Latest Action: 10/26/2007 - Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S13494-13495)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and for other purposes.

10/26/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin and conveys gratitude to the officials and emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis.

Recognizes the generous support of citizens, local businesses, the American Red Cross, the United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army.

Reaffirms support for helping the victims rebuild.

Latest Action: 10/02/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 657.

Bill Text
Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and for other purposes.

10/2/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Expresses sympathy for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding during August 2007 in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin and conveys gratitude to the officials and emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis.

Recognizes the generous support of citizens, local businesses, the American Red Cross, the United Way, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army.

Reaffirms support for helping the victims rebuild.

Latest Action: 09/10/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
Censuring the President and Attorney General.

8/4/2007--Introduced.

Censures President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and condemns them for: (1) undermining the rule of law and the separation of powers; (2) disregarding statutes, treaties, and the Constitution; and (3) repeatedly misleading the American people.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10940-10943)

Bill Text
A resolution censuring the President and the Attorney General.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Censures President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and condemns them for: (1) undermining the rule of law and the separation of powers; (2) disregarding statutes, treaties, and the Constitution; and (3) repeatedly misleading the American people.

Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1669)

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Directing the Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

7/31/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives to investigate whether Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Latest Action: 08/14/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.

Bill Text
To provide mechanisms for developing and implementing a national energy security strategy for the United States.

7/27/2007--Introduced.

Energy Security and Foreign Policy Integration Act of 2007 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to add the Secretary of Energy as a member of the National Security Council (NSC).

Establishes within the NSC a Directorate of Energy as the lead government entity for formulating and coordinating U.S. national energy security policy.

Directs the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a quadrennial national energy security review which shall set forth national energy security strategy and establish short- and long-term goals to achieve energy security; and (2) report to Congress on such review.

Latest Action: 07/23/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

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Honoring the life and achievements of Ronald H. Brown and commending the example that he set for the African-American community.

7/23/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes the dedication and devotion of former Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown to public service.

Commends his actions and achievements and his inspiring example to the African-American community.

Latest Action: 10/23/2007 - Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Leahy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 110-203. Minority views filed.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for limitations in certain communications between the Department of Justice and the White House Office relating to civil and criminal investigations, and for other purposes. 10/23/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Security from Political Interference in Justice Act of 2007 - Defines "covered communication" as any communication relating to an ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) civil or criminal investigation (regardless of whether a civil or criminal indictment or information has been filed). Excludes from such definition any communication relating to policy appointments, legislation, rulemaking, budgets, public relations, programmatic matters, intergovernmental relations, administrative or personnel matters, appellate litigation, or requests for legal advice. Defines "covered Department of Justice officer" as the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Associate [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S7432-7441)

Bill Text
A joint resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and of the American people.

5/24/2007--Introduced.

Expresses the sense of the Senate that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and of the American people.

Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
Expressing no confidence in the performance of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and urging the President to request his resignation.

5/21/2007--Introduced.

Declares that the House of Representatives and the American people have lost confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Urges the President to request his resignation and to nominate a new candidate more capable of serving as the head of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6310-6311)

Bill Text
A resolution calling on the President of the United States immediately to recommend new candidates for the positions of the Attorney General of the United States and the President of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (commonly known as the "World Bank") in order to preserve the integrity and the efficacy of the Department of Justice and the World Bank.

5/17/2007--Introduced.

Calls on the President to recommend new candidates for the positions of the U.S. Attorney General and the President of the World Bank.

Latest Action: 05/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6303-6304)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an independent agency, and for other purposes. 5/17/2007--Introduced. Federal Emergency Management Improvement Act of 2007 - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates the Director as the principal advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States. Directs the President to designate the Director to serve as a Cabinet member in the event of natural disasters, terrorist acts, or other man-made disasters.Sets forth provisions regarding FEMA's primary mission and the Director's responsibilities. Provides for 10 regional offices in FEMA, each headed by a Regional Administrator. Requires each Regional [...]

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Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5255-5257 text as passed Senate: CR S5256-5257 text of measure as introduced: CR S5222)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, beginning April 22, 2007. 4/26/2007--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.) Honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses during National Small Business Week beginning April 22, 2007. Applauds the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Urges the President to ensure that: (1) applicable small business procurement goals are reached by federal agencies; (2) SBA guaranteed loans and venture capital are made available to all qualified small businesses; (3) SBA management assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 06/11/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 226.

Bill Text
A resolution to recognize American government officials who played a critical role in the creation and activity of the War Refugee Board in an effort to help rescue Jews and other persecuted minorities during the Holocaust.

6/11/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Honors the contributions of those who worked for the establishment of the War Refugee Board and for a more active U.S. policy to rescue Jews and other victims of Nazi repression who were in imminent danger of death and to provide these persecuted minorities with assistance during World War II.

Commends in particular the actions of Secretary of Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Josiah DuBois, Jr., and John Pehle for their dedication to helping rescue Jews and other persecuted minorities in the Holocaust.

Latest Action: 06/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to modify provisions relating to the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education.

2/8/2007--Introduced.

National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act with respect to the National Fund for Excellence in American Indian Education (Foundation). Requires the Foundation Board to appoint a chief operating officer for the Foundation separate from the Secretary of the Interior (who currently acts as chief operating officer).

Places limitations on the administrative costs of the Foundation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds to pay the operating expenses of the Foundation.

Latest Action: 05/18/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To establish a Department of Peace and Nonviolence. 2/5/2007--Introduced. Department of Peace and Nonviolence Act - Establishes a Department of Peace and Nonviolence, which shall be headed by a Secretary of Peace and Nonviolence appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the mission of the Department, including to: (1) hold peace as an organizing principle; (2) endeavor to promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights; and (3) develop policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and structured mediation of conflict. Establishes in the Department the Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Peace and Nonviolence, which shall provide assistance and make recommendations to the Secretary and the President concerning intergovernmental policies relating to peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. Transfers to the Department [...]

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Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer without amendment. Without written report.

Bill Text
To designate the Federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building".

1/22/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There are 3 other summaries)

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

Designates the federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building."

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To amend chapter 1 of title 3, United States Code, relating to Presidential succession.

1/17/2007--Introduced.

Presidential Succession Act of 2007 - Modifies the presidential succession list to include, following the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Ambassador to the United Nations, the Ambassador to Great Britain, the Ambassador to Russia, the Ambassador to China, and the Ambassador to France.

Revises the provision specifying how long an acting President shall serve to provide that an acting President shall continue to serve as such until the expiration of the then current Presidential term or until the disability of the President or Vice-President is removed.

Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to: (1) votes by electors after the death or incapacity of nominees; and (2) the continuity of government and the transition of executive power.

Latest Action: 01/11/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Bill Text
Honoring Alexander Hamilton on the 250th anniversary of his birth.

1/11/2007--Introduced.

Honors Alexander Hamilton on the 250th anniversary of his birth.

Latest Action: 01/11/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
To amend title 10, United States Code, to change the eligibility requirements for appointment as Secretary of Defense.

1/11/2007--Introduced.

Amends federal armed forces provisions to prohibit a person from being appointed as Secretary of Defense within three (currently, ten) years after active-duty service as a commissioned officer in a regular component of the Armed Forces.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the position of Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Establishes in the Department of Defense (DOD) a Deputy Secretary of Defense for Management (Deputy Secretary) to: (1) serve as the Chief Management Officer of DOD; and (2) act as principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense on matters relating to the management of DOD, including defense business activities. Makes the Deputy Secretary responsible to the Secretary for development, approval, implementation, integration, and oversight for the management of DOD that relate to performance of the the following functions: (1) planning and budgeting, including performance measurement; (2) acquisition; (3) logistics; (4) facilities, installations, and environment; (5) financial management; (6) human resources and personnel; and (7) management of information resources. Requires the Deputy Secretary, among [...]

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