Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-396.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security 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.)Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2009 for 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.Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for FY2009 for: (1) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including [...]

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Latest Action: 07/10/2008 - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Lieberman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-411.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, and for other purposes. 7/10/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to include within fire service personnel training: (1) tactics and strategies for dealing with natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) tactics and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries, fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving hazardous materials; and (4) advanced emergency [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for a privacy official within each component of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy Officer Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate a full-time privacy official for each of the following Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components: (1) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); (2) the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS); (3) Customs and Border Protection (CBP); (4) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); (5) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); (6) the Coast Guard; (7) the Directorate of Science and Technology; (8) the Office of Intelligence and Analysis; and (9) the Directorate for National Protection and Programs.Lists the responsibilities of each privacy official, including: (1) advising the component [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To promote fire-safe communities, and for other purposes. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Fire-Safe Communities Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to publish a federal model ordinance for municipalities at risk (subdivisions located in a fire hazard area) that includes specified elements regarding fire prevention and management, such as: (1) specifications for construction materials and techniques for use in such communities; and (2) standards for roads, culverts, and bridges. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modify, for a municipality at risk, the requirements of the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program related to the provision of a non-federal share of funds, so that if such a municipality has adopted an applicable model ordinance and is making significant progress toward implementing it, the Administrator may reduce the required non-federal share to 10% of the grant [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee by Technology and Innovation Prior to Introduction and Referral (October 2, 2007).

Bill Text
To reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, and for other purposes. 4/3/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to include within fire service personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with non-terrorist-caused national catastrophes and incidents that involve weapons of mass destruction; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries, fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving [...]

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Latest Action: 12/04/2007 - Reported by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-466.

Bill Text
To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue guidance providing a process for consideration of the flood protections afforded by certain structures for purposes of the national flood insurance program. 12/4/2007--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.)Levee-Like Structure Consideration Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue and make effective notice or guidance providing, for purposes of determining flood plain areas and flood-risk zones under the national flood insurance program: (1) a specified process by which a community may request and obtain from the Administrator a determination, including provisional accreditation, of the nature and extent of any flood protection afforded by any structure or feature that [...]

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Latest Action: 05/13/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4048-4050, S4051-4061)

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, to restore the financial solvency of the flood insurance fund, and for other purposes. 11/1/2007--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.) Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make national flood insurance available for multifamily properties of more than four units. (Sec. 6) Requires the FEMA Director to estimate the exclusion of certain prospective insureds from purchasing flood insurance at risk premium rates less than those estimated for specified properties (including [...]

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Latest Action: 10/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to dispose of excess materials, supplies, and equipment acquired pursuant to that Act to assist victims of major disasters, emergencies, and incidents, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to transfer excess materials, supplies, or equipment acquired for response or recovery efforts in connection with a major disaster or emergency to a state, governmental entity, or voluntary organization to assist victims of other major disasters and emergencies or other incidents.Authorizes the use and disposal of temporary housing for disaster victims in incidents that do not result in a declaration of a major disaster or emergency.Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to review and revise the factors considered to measure the severity, magnitude,[...]

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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: 10/26/2007 - 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: 07/10/2008 - Mr. Capuano moved that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and request a conference.

Bill Text
To restore the financial solvency of the national flood insurance program and to provide for such program to make available multiperil coverage for damage resulting from windstorms and floods, and for other purposes. 9/27/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the flood insurance coverage status of pre-FIRM properties; and (2) assess the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 regarding properties subject to the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for a natural 100-year floodplain, and possible extension of such requirement to properties securing nonfederally related loans. (A pre-FIRM structure is one that was not constructed or substantially improved after the later of: (1) December 31, 1974; or (2) the effective date of the [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-84.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Offices of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Under Secretary for Management, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, and the Inspector General.Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for: (1) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology, air and marine interdiction, maintenance, procurement, and construction; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 08/01/2007 - Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 7/26/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Homeland Security Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2008 for 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.Withholds specified funds until the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) certifies and reports to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees that DHS has revised its guidance with respect to relations with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to specifically provide for expedited timeframes for providing GAO with [...]

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Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia.

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to make family members of public safety officers killed in the line of duty eligible for coverage under the Federal employees health benefits program, and for other purposes.

5/17/2007--Introduced.

Public Safety Officer Family Health Benefits Act - Authorizes an individual who is a family member of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty to enroll in an approved federal employee health benefits plan as an individual or for self and family. Specifies the individual's and the government's contributions toward the enrollment charge.

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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