United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009
Honors the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Tunisian Republic for their participation in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation. Welcomes the representatives of the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation to Washington, DC, on the occasion of the July 2009 Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Seminar on OSCE Mediterranean Partner Engagement. Encourages the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation to continue to work with the OSCE participating states to enhance trade, economic development, security, and stability in the Mediterranean region.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50% of the non-clinical research expenses for certain infectious diseases or conditions for which there is no significant market in developed nations and which disproportionately affect poor and marginalized populations. Requires any taxpayer who claims this tax credit to donate to a charitable organization or foreign government for public purposes the rights to any license for treatment of such diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco, California, as the "Lim Poon Lee Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to establish the Robert T. Matsui Center for Cultural and Linguistic Competence in Health Care. Provides for health care workforce diversity activities, including the establishment of: (1) a national working group on workforce diversity; (2) an aggregated database on health professional students; and (3) the Advisory Committee on Health Professions Training for Diversity. Requires health-related programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect data on race, ethnicity, primary language, and sexual orientation. Directs each federal health agency to implement a strategic plan to eliminate disparities on the basis of race, ethnicity, and primary language and improve the health and health care of minority populations. Prohibits discrimination under any health care service or research program or activity receiving federal financial assistance on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Requires the establishment of: (1) an Office of Health Disparities within the Office of Civil Rights; (2) civil rights compliance offices in HHS agencies that administer health programs; and (3) an Office of Minority Health within specified agencies. Reestablishes the Indian Health Service within the Public Health Service of HHS to be administered by the Assistant Secretary of Indian Health. Directs the President to execute, administer, and enforce provisions to address environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2009 - Provides for the establishment of health empowerment zones in communities that experience disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. Sets forth programs to reduce health disparities, including by: (1) expanding the Minority HIV/AIDS initiative; (2) establishing the Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission; and (3) revising eligibility requirements for federal assistance programs with respect to individuals lawfully present in the United States. Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary to implement the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Program to achieve a reduction of at least 25% in the mortality rate of lung cancer by 2015. Provides for research and other activities with respect to diabetes in minority populations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Global Wildlife Conservation, Coordination, and Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service an Institute for International Wildlife Conservation, headed by an Assistant Director for International Wildlife Conservation. Directs the Assistant Director to create, submit to specified congressional committees, and publish in the Federal Register an International Wildlife Conservation Action Plan. Directs the Secretary, through the Institute, to: (1) coordinate international conservation efforts and enhance wildlife species conservation; (2) carry out a Wildlife Without Borders Program to provide international wildlife conservation assistance; (3) develop and conduct a multifaceted program to increase public understanding and appreciation of global wildlife resources and biodiversity, the threats confronting wildlife populations globally, and activities that can be undertaken to address specified threats; (4) develop and implement an educational outreach program to increase public awareness of international wildlife conservation; (5) provide fellowships to U.S. and foreign students in disciplines related to fish and wildlife conservation; and (6) establish a Center for International Wildlife Recovery Partnerships. Authorizes the Assistant Director to establish a Global Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on international wildlife conservation programs. Establishes: (1) an International Wildlife Conservation Fund in the Treasury; and (2) a Global Wildlife Coordination Council to assist other nations in preserving and managing wildlife resources and their habitats. Directs the Secretary, through the Office of Law Enforcement of the Wildlife Service, to strengthen and enhance law enforcement efforts relating to wildlife conservation and trade.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Families for Orphans Act of 2009 - Establishes within the Department of State the Office for Orphan Policy Diplomacy and Development which shall support: (1) the preservation and reunification of families; and (2) the provision of permanent parental care for orphans. Directs the President to establish the Policy Coordinating Committee which shall monitor and support international efforts in family preservation, family reunification, and permanent parental care for orphans. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to foreign countries: (1) for family preservation, family reunification, and orphan care efforts; and (2) to meet minimum standards required for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of State to make grants to nongovernmental agencies to promote permanent parental care for orphans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate a study to identify global best practices for preserving and reunifying families and providing permanent parental care for orphans; and (2) carry out a global best practices pilot program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Recognizes the 140th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Acknowledges Mahatma Gandhi's unique role in the establishment of the state of India and its democratic institutions. Congratulates the visionary leadership of Mahatma Gandhi which enhanced the deepening friendship between the United States and India.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Recognizes Michael Jackson (American musical recording and performing artist, legend, and icon) as a global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises. Celebrates Michael Jackson as an accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment, scientific advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and global food security.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act regarding: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) construction of new or additional facilities; (5) dress and grooming standards; and (6) provision of employee benefits to married vs. unmarried couples. Declares that, in this Act, "married" refers to a legal union between one man and one woman. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings, subject to exception, against the United States and the states.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Peru should: (1) cease hostile activity against its indigenous peoples and instead engage in dialogue to address ongoing political conflict between state authorities and indigenous peoples; and (2) comply with the U.N. Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples and International Labor Organization Convention 169.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Urges: (1) the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to grant clemency to Laura Ling and Euna Lee and return them to the United States; and (2) other nations to encourage North Korea to free Ms. Ling and Ms. Lee. Supports efforts by President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and others to secure the release of the journalists.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources is available to taxpayers in various possessions and other areas of the United States, including: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; or (3) any U.S. installation worldwide, including miltary bases.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Ocean Thermal Energy Tax and Energy Credits Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for producing electricity from ocean thermal energy; (2) specify that such tax credit is available to taxpayers in certain possessions and other areas under U.S. control; and (3) allow an energy tax credit for investment in equipment which uses ocean thermal energy to generate electricity, to cool (or provide cold water for use in) a structure, or to produce fresh water.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that the tax credits for nonbusiness energy property and for residential energy efficient property are available to taxpayers in certain U.S. possessions and other areas, including: (1) Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands; the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau; and (3) military bases, embassies, and other facilities owned or leased by the U.S. government.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009
Expresses support for Olympic Day. Encourages the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago, Illinois, as the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct and report to Congress on: (1) an assessment of all available domestic technological capabilities required for the location and the efficient and environmentally sound recovery of minerals, other than oil and natural gas, from the shallow and deep seabed of the United States; (2) a survey of the shallow and deep seabed of the United States to identify sites for the recovery of such minerals; and (3) an economic feasibility study on the recovery of such minerals. Defines "shallow and deep seabed of the United States" as areas of the seabed contiguous to and within 200 miles of the territorial sea of the United States and the resources of which are subject to its jurisdiction or control. Includes in that definition such areas that are contiguous to and within 200 miles of the territorial sea around any inhabited and uninhabited territory or possession of the United States, including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Midway Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Midway Islands, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, Kingman Reef, Navassa Island, Serranilla Bank, Bajo Nuevo Bank, and Palmyra Atoll.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
Commends the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for calling upon all nations to live in peace and mutual understanding. Supports freedom of religion and conscience as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries. Recognizes Kazakhstan for initiating the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009
Gives the High Court of American Samoa the jurisdiction over any criminal case arising under any law of the United States applicable to American Samoa in which a defendant resides in American Samoa and the violation occurred in the territory of American Samoa. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to appoint: (1) two or more justices to the High Court of American Samoa as needed; and (2) a special prosecutor for American Samoa, whose responsibility shall be to prosecute all criminal violations of laws of the United States over which the High Court of American Samoa has jurisdiction under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009
Permits statues honoring deceased citizens of U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) to be placed in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. Limits such statues to one per jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009
Commends the NATO School for its support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) efforts to promote global peace. Expresses appreciation to: (1) Colonel James J. Tabak, USA-MC, for his leadership as School commandant and to the School faculty and staff; (2) NATO member states and partner countries for their contribution of faculty; and (3) the partnership between the U.S. and German governments in providing the School with financial support and leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009
Commends the Marshall Center for its efforts to promote peace and security throughout North America, Europe, and Eurasia. Expresses appreciation: (1) for the partnership between the United States and German governments in advancing mutual national security interests through the Center's programs; and (2) to Marshall Center Director Dr. John P. Rose and his outstanding faculty and staff.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Reuniting Families Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to establish the fiscal year worldwide level of employment-based immigrants at 140,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Establishes the fiscal year worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants at 480,000 plus: (1) the previous year's unused visas; and (2) the number of unused visas from FY1992-FY2007. Revises the definition of "immediate relative" to: (1) mean a child, spouse, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or resident, such individual's accompanying spouse or child), except that in the case of parents such citizens shall be at least 21 years old; (2) permit a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen or resident to seek permanent resident status if married at least two years at the time of the citizen's or resident's death or, if married less than two years, by showing through a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit; and (3) include an alien who was the child or parent of a U.S. citizen or resident at the time of the citizen's or resident's death if the alien files a petition within two years after such date or prior to reaching 21 years old. Increases immigration visas for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and (2) brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Provides a 60,000 visa allocation for the unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens. Increases annual per country (10% of annual total) and dependent area (5% of annual total) limits for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrant visas. Expands specified family-unity exceptions to unlawful presence-based inadmissibility. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status; (2) parole eligibility; (3) permanent resident status adjustment; and (4) processing of immigrant visas. Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Exempts children of naturalized Filipino World War II veterans from worldwide or numerical immigrant limitations. Makes a minor child of an alien fiancee/fiance or of an alien spouse of a U.S. citizen eligible for derivative K-visa status provided that the child's age is determined using such child's age at the date that the petition to classify such child's parent as a K-visa alien is filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Authorizes the Secretary or the Attorney General to adjust the status of a finacee/fiance or alien spouse and any minor children (K-visa) to conditional permanent resident status if such alien marries the petitioner within three months after U.S. admission. Redefines "child" for purposes of titles I and II of the Act to include a stepchild under 21 years old. (Current law includes a stepchild who has not reached 18 years old at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred.) Uniting American Families Act of 2009 - Amends INA to include a "permanent partner" within the scope of such Act. Defines "permanent partner" as an individual 18 or older who: (1) is in a committed, intimate relationship with another individual 18 or older in which both individuals intend a lifelong commitment; (2) is financially interdependent with the other individual; (3) is not married to, or in a permanent partnership with, anyone other than the individual; (4) is unable to contract with the other individual a marriage cognizable under this Act; and (5) is not a first, second, or third degree blood relation of the other individual. Defines "permanent partnership" as the relationship existing between two permanent partners. Defines "alien permanent partner" as the individual in a permanent partnership who is being sponsored for a visa.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Applauds the efforts of those who attempt to build tolerance and mutual understanding among Israelis and Palestinians through education. Encourages the Department of State to continue supporting programs that promote understanding between Israelis and Palestinians and Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
Climate and Ocean Research and Coordination Act of 2009 - Reestablishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its leadership. (NOAA was created by the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970.) Includes in NOAA the National Weather Service and the Science Advisory Board. National Climate Enterprise Act of 2009 - Directs the President to establish a National Climate Enterprise to coordinate international, federal, and nonfederal activity to provide scientifically based climate and climate impact data, information, products, and services to better forecast climate, climate change, and climate variability and to understand climate impacts at regional and local scales. Requires that the Enterprise consist of an Interdepartmental Oversight Board, an Interagency Coordinating Committee, and a Climate Operations Office established by this Act, and nonfederal contributors. Requires the Office, subject to appropriations, to develop and implement a quality assurance program to certify climate products and services that satisfy this Act's standards. Defines "climate product and service" as any publicly or commercially available product or service produced by a nonfederal contributor that includes or displays climate data, meta-data, or information. Allows the Enterprise to authorize the use of the emblem or any trademark of the Enterprise on a certified climate product or service. Establishes in the Treasury the Climate Products And Services Account. Requires the Enterprise Advisory Board to provide advice to the Interagency Coordinating Committee on policy implementation by the Climate Operations Office, the effectiveness of data, meta-data, information, products, and services delivered to end-users, priorities for climate research and information needs, the performance of non-federal contributors, and critical climate research needs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
Territorial Health Parity Act of 2009 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to sunset at the end of FY2009 the limitation on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to: (1) repeal, as of the end of FY2011, the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) of 50% that applies to such territories; and (2) set the new FMAP for such territories at one determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. Specifies a transitional FMAP for such territories for FY2010-FY2011. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the per capita income data used to promulgate the FMAP in the territories and how such data differ from the per capita income data used to promulgate FMAPs for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Requires the report to include recommendations on how FMAPs can be calculated for the territories to ensure parity with the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to extend the Medicaid program to the citizens of the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau). Amends SSA title XIX to set a 100% FMAP for otherwise qualified services rendered to such citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Survey Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award a contract or grant to an entity to develop and conduct a health survey regarding Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in the United States, U.S. territories, and affiliated Pacific jurisdictions in order to: (1) identify their unmet health and health care needs; and (2) establish baseline health information to achieve equity in health information for the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander community. Requires such data collection efforts to be targeted to areas with the highest concentrations of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders based on the 2010 decennial census. Directs the Secretary to award a contract or grant to an entity to: (1) analyze and prepare the data collected under this Act for distribution; and (2) submit the data, analysis, and any corresponding documents to the National Center for Health Statistics for internal review. Requires the Secretary to make such information public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the American soldiers who were prisoners of war at Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon during World War II, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with those who fought in defense of Bataan/Corregidor/Luzon and the prisoners of war.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1972 to extend the Supplemental Security Income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act to Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and America Samoa.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009
Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act or the HEARTH Act - Extends to any Indian tribe the discretion granted under current law only to the Navajo Nation to lease restricted lands without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009
Recognizes World Hepatitis Day. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Hepatitis Awareness Month; and (2) raising awareness of the risks and consequences of undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections and the urgency for a robust governmental and public health response to protect the health of those who suffer from chronic viral hepatitis.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2009 - Authorizes the government of Puerto Rico: (1) to conduct a plebiscite giving voters the option to vote to continue Puerto Rico's present political status or to have a different political status; (2) if a majority of ballots favor continuing the present status, to conduct additional such plebiscites every eight years; and (3) if a majority of ballots favor having a different status, to conduct a plebiscite on the options of becoming fully independent from the United States, forming with the United States a political association between sovereign nations that will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the Constitution, or being admitted as a state of the Union. Prescribes the eligibility requirements for voting in the plebiscite. Requires the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission to certify plebiscite results to the President and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Amends the Whale Conservation and Protection Study Act to rename it as the International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to: (1) restate strong U.S. opposition to commercial whaling and to refuse to engage in any negotiation or reinterpretation of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling that would weaken the moratorium on commercial whaling, create new categories of whaling, condone lethal scientific whaling, or weaken whale conservation and protection; and (2) support subsistence whaling and the development of the Aboriginal Whaling Management Scheme. Sets forth provisions concerning the International Whaling Commission. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard, to: (1) pursue the establishment of guidelines for minimizing the introduction of incidental noise from commercial shipping operations into marine environments to reduce the potential adverse affects on whales and other marine life; and (2) promote the use of areas to be avoided by commercial vessels and other navigational measures to minimize the threat of injury to whales. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to encourage nations that hold any reservations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to the great whales listed in Appendix I to withdraw such reservations and terminate commercial trade in whale meat and products. Provides for international cooperation and compliance with regulations governing trade in or takings of whales. Requires the Secretary to: (1) negotiate with the government of Canada with the goal of concluding a North Atlantic Whale Conservation Agreement within 18 months; (2) develop international action plans to reduce threats to whales and other cetaceans through the establishment of new International Marine Protected Areas (IMAs) and IMA networks; and (3) establish whale research initiatives to enhance whale conservation efforts. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of State to support efforts to study and reduce the adverse effects of anthropogenic noise on whales and other marine life.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Encourages all citizens to join in a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni and raise awareness about the importance of national and community service. Acknowledges the significant accomplishments and contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners. Encourages citizens of all ages and backgrounds and from each state to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt sons and daughters of Filipino World War II veterans who were naturalized under the Immigration Act of 1990 from worldwide or numerical limitations on immigrant visas.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of Mental Health Month; and (2) the finding of the President's Commission on Mental Health that the nation's failure to prioritize mental health is a national tragedy. Recognizes that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being for people, the economy, and the country. Applauds the coalescing of national and community organizations in working to promote public awareness of mental health and in providing critical information and support to the people and families affected by mental illness. Encourages all organizations and health practitioners to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Expresses support for the observance of National Asian American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Recognizes the importance of: (1) culturally and linguistically competent services as a core element in reducing HIV/AIDS rates in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; and (2) addressing the gaps in research and data in order to fully understand the HIV/AIDS epidemic in such communities. Recognizes the people across the United States infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who are commemorating this day and who work to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American Heritage Month (in the month of June). Affirms that: (1) the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and (2) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Requires the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to assemble a team of technical, policy, and financial experts to address the energy needs of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to: (1) reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fossil fuels; (2) increase the use of indigenous, nonfossil fuel energy sources; (3) improve the performance of energy infrastructure through projects to improve the energy efficiency of power generation, transmission, and distribution and increase consumer energy efficiency; (4) improve the performance of energy infrastructure through enhanced planning, education, and training; (5) adopt research-based and public-private partnership-based approaches; (6) stimulate economic development and job creation; and (7) enhance the engagement by the federal government in international efforts to address such energy needs. Requires the team to provide assistance to each utility of each island and to each island's government to develop and implement an energy Action Plan to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels through increased efficiency and use of indigenous clean-energy resources. Requires the Secretary to consider including regional utility organizations in the establishment of the team and providing assistance through regional utility organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) make states (including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets, or that have the promotion of transportation or air quality as their principal purpose, eligible for grants and loans for diesel emission reductions; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allocate to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands funding for a grant and loan program that is designed to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions if such states have an approved application for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Recognizes that the incredible diversity of different racial and ethnic groups, including Asian American and Pacific Islander, is a source of strength for the United States. Recognizes that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is influential and crucial to the society and culture of the United States. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the goals and ideals of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Celebrates the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Mourns the loss of life and expresses condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of Italy. Applauds the response of Italian rescue workers. Recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Italy and expresses continued solidarity with the people of Italy during this time of crisis. Supports President Obama's offer of U.S. assistance to Italy in response to this event. Expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Italy in this time of need.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 - Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Relations within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group. Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to reorganize the single Native Hawaiian governing entity to provide for their common welfare and to adopt appropriate organic governing documents. Establishes a Commission to: (1) prepare and maintain a roll of the adult members of the Native Hawaiian community who elect to participate in such reorganization; and (2) certify that the adult members of the Native Hawaiian community proposed for inclusion on the roll meet the definition of Native Hawaiian. Outlines the process for the reorganization, which includes forming a Native Hawaiian Interim Governing Council. Reaffirms the special political and legal relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian governing entity upon certification required by the Secretary regarding the organic governing documents and the election of the entity's officers. Extends federal recognition to the governing entity as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people. Authorizes the United States, upon the reaffirmation of such political and legal relationship, together with the state of Hawaii, to enter into negotiations with the governing entity to lead to an agreement addressing specified matters, including the transfer of lands, natural resources, and other assets, and the protection of existing rights related to such lands or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
State Tax Administration Assistance Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a state to offset state income tax obligations owed by nonresidents against any federal income tax refunds due to such nonresidents if such state has in effect a reciprocal agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury that allows an offset of federal income tax obligations against state tax refunds.
![Official portrait of Del. Faleomavaega, Eni F. H. [D-AS-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000010_200.jpg)