United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2011
Veterans, Women, Families with Children, and Persons With Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2011 - Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a nationwide testing program to: (1) detect and document differences in the treatment of persons seeking to rent or purchase housing or obtain or refinance a home mortgage loan; (2) measure patterns of adverse treatment because of the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability status, or national origin of a renter, home buyer, or borrower; and (3) measure the prevalence of such discriminatory practices across housing and mortgage lending markets. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 to require that only qualified private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations receive funds under the fair housing initiatives program for investigations of violations of the rights granted under the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Requires the design of the national education and outreach program to provide for the development and dissemination of websites and other media outlets among its fair housing media products. Requires private entities that formulate or carry out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices to be nonprofit in order to be eligible for contracts to establish or support education and outreach programs and to support community-based education and outreach activities. Requires the Secretary to establish minimum standards for the training of testers of organizations funded with any amounts made available under this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement a competitive matching grant program to assist public and private nonprofit organizations in: (1) conducting comprehensive studies of the causes and effects of housing discrimination and segregation on education, poverty, and economic development or on veterans and military personnel; and (2) implementing pilot projects that test solutions to help prevent or alleviate housing discrimination and segregation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2011
Honors: (1) those who lost their lives due to the tragic earthquake of January 12, 2010; and (2) the sacrifice of the men and women of the government of Haiti, the U.S. government, the United Nations (U.N.), and the international community for their response to the calamity. Expresses solidarity with the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their neighborhoods, livelihoods, and country. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to support long-term Haitian reconstruction. Supports the Administration's efforts to prevent the spread of cholera, treat persons who contract the disease, provide technical assistance to the Haitian Ministry of Public Health, and improve water, sanitation, and health systems. Urges the President and the international community to: (1) focus assistance on the government of Haiti's priorities, (2) develop and improve communications and participatory mechanisms to more substantially involve Haitian civil society at all stages of the cholera and post-earthquake responses, and (3) give priority to programs that protect vulnerable populations. Urges the President to: (1) make necessary resources available to U.S. and U.N. agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private volunteer organizations, and regional institutions; (2) assess the long-term needs for confronting the cholera epidemic in Haiti; and (3) lead humanitarian and development efforts with the government of Haiti, the Haitian Diaspora, and international actors who share in the goal of a better future for Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2011
Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011 - Deems certain service performed before July 1, 1946, in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Scouts as active military service for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in determining eligibility under this Act, to take into account any relevant service documentation, including documentation other than the Missouri List (the list of all discharged and deceased veterans from the 20th century).
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2011
Expresses the sense of Congress that the current federal income tax deduction for mortgage interest paid on a first or second home should not be further restricted.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Breast Cancer Patient Protect Act of 2011 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group or individual health plan that provides medical and surgical benefits to ensure that inpatient (and in the case of a lumpectomy, outpatient) coverage and radiation therapy are provided for breast cancer treatment. Prohibits such a plan from: (1) restricting benefits for any hospital length of stay to less than 48 hours in connection with a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery or 24 hours in connection with a lymph node dissection, insofar as the attending physician, in consultation with the patient, determines such stay to be medically necessary; or (2) requiring that a provider obtain authorization from the plan for prescribing any such length of stay. Requires such a plan to: (1) provide notice to each participant and beneficiary regarding the coverage required under this Act; and (2) ensure that coverage is provided for secondary consultations. Prohibits a health plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Allows a health insurance issuer that provides individual health insurance coverage to nonrenew or discontinue an individual's coverage based on the intentional concealment of material facts regarding a health condition related to the condition for which coverage is being claimed.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4110 Almeda Road in Houston, Texas, as the "George Thomas 'Mickey' Leland Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Lumbee Recognition Act - Extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, which makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to Indians because of their status as members of a federally recognized tribe. Deems members of the Tribe residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland Counties in North Carolina to be within the delivery area for such services. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe. Prohibits the Tribe from conducting gaming activities. Requires North Carolina to exercise jurisdiction over all criminal offenses committed, and all civil actions that arise, on North Carolina lands owned by, or held in trust for, the Lumbee Tribe or any dependent Indian community of the Tribe.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Teacher Tax Reduction Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $250 to $500 the dollar limit on the tax deduction for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers and to extend such deduction through 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the full realization of the rights of women is vital to the development and well-being of people of all nations; and (2) the Senate should, therefore, give its advice and consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2010
Global Water Access and Equity Act - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to establish within the Department of State a Coordinator of United States Government Diplomatic Initiatives to Provide Safe Water and Sanitation Globally, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Coordinator to: (1) be the Secretary of State's principal advisor on efforts to ensure that developing countries have affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation; and (2) monitor U.S. diplomatic policy and formulate ways in which such policy may be used to further the goal of ensuring that developing countries have access to safe water and sanitation, including the objectives expressed in the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to establish within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a Bureau for Global Water Aid which shall be responsible for the oversight and coordination of all activities to provide safe water and sanitation to developing countries. Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. policy should promote more efficient use of existing water supplies in developing countries, as well as the development of additional reliable water supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010
Rental Housing Revitalization Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate amounts to public housing agencies (PHAs) and other owners of eligible properties for the voluntary conversion of specified existing project-based rental housing assistance contracts through the execution of long-term, property-based assistance contracts or of project-based voucher rental assistance contracts for additional units of assistance under project-based voucher contracts with public and private owners of properties assisted under certain other federal rental supplement, rental assistance, or affordable housing programs. Establishes the Rental Assistance Conversion Trust Fund in the Treasury. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures to implement a residence choice option for housing opportunities for families in dwelling units with converted rental assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to establish uniform policies and procedures to streamline rental assistance programs for such properties. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into property-based housing assistance payment contracts for converted or replacement properties; and (2) provide funds for a PHA to administer or assist in their administration. Limits the term of a property-based contract between the Secretary and: (1) the owner of a property assisted, before conversion, to at least 20 years; and (2) the owner of any other property to the existing term remaining on the contract being converted or, as the Secretary determines, a term of up to 20 years. Allows contract renewals and extensions. Revises the limitation on the percentage of dwelling units in a project that may be assisted with PHA project-based assistance to allow up to an additional 5% of dwelling units housing homeless individuals and families to receive such assistance. Allows a PHA administering project-based assistance pursuant to a conversion to attach it to up to 40% of dwelling units. Makes conforming amendments to the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the "Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Recognizes the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (supplying military products made by employees who are blind or severely disabled) for 15 years of service on military installations and in federal buildings across the United States. Commends U.S. military installations and federal buildings for their commitment to the AbilityOne Program and their success at eliminating barriers to employment and independence for blind or severely disabled Americans. Honors National Industries for the Blind and NISH as nonprofit agencies providing critically important employment opportunities, training, and mission critical support services to the U.S. military through the AbilityOne Base Supply Center Program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Recognizes and expresses support for the efforts of the USA Bid Committee to bring the 2018 or 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World CupTM competition to the United States. Encourages the President and appropriate federal agencies to support the Committee's efforts. Welcomes a request by the President to provide authorizations and appropriations necessary to fulfill guarantees or other obligations in support of the 2018 or 2022 competition, if the United States is selected.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Honors Latinos for their continued service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Recognizes past service of Latinos who have sacrificed their lives to defend freedom and democracy. Commends leading Latino members of the Armed Forces for their long-time commitment to securing and defending the United States. Recognizes the significant role of Latino members of the Armed Forces to the success of ongoing military operations. Urges the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to support and encourage Latino members of the Armed Forces and promote leadership amongst them.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2010
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National GEAR UP Day. (GEAR UP is the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, created to facilitate the transition of low-income high school students into postsecondary education.) Recognizes the contributions of teachers, counselors, and program staff who encourage and prepare students for success in college. Encourages all students to set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve their dreams.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Fair Playing Field Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the classification of workers for employment tax purposes, to: (1) repeal the prohibition against issuance of regulations and guidance by the Secretary of the Treasury on workers' employment tax status (i.e., as an employee or as an independent contractor) enacted by the Revenue Act of 1978; (2) direct the Secretary to issue regulations and other guidance to clarify the proper employment status of workers for employment tax purposes; (3) prohibit a retroactive assessment of employment tax, except with respect to certain skilled workers, for tax periods after December 31, 1978, and before a specified reclassification date for worker misclassifications, unless the taxpayer had no reasonable basis for not treating a worker as an employee; (4) require taxpayers who hire independent contractors on a regular and ongoing basis to provide such contractors with notice of their federal tax obligations, the labor and employment law protections that do not apply to them, and their right to seek a status determination from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and (5) eliminate reduced penalty provisions for failure to withhold income taxes for taxpayers who lack a reasonable basis for treating a worker as other than an employee (i.e., as an independent contractor).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2010
Recognizes the historic partnership between the Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Acknowledges the volunteer mentors who offer their time, knowledge, and hearts to the neediest children. Encourages additional partnerships in the spirit of the collaboration between the fraternities and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., in Washington, D.C., as the "Dorothy I. Height Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Commends the public servants of the federal agencies for their contributions to homeland security. Salutes the efforts of government officials, the private sector, and citizens across the country to prevent, deter, protect against, and prepare to respond to potential acts of terrorism. Expresses appreciation for the commitment of law enforcement and emergency response personnel in preventing and preparing to respond to acts of terrorism. Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month as they relate to the threat of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Seniors Protection Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to disburse a $250 payment to recipients of Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income under title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits if no cost-of-living adjustment is payable in 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act of 2010 - Establishes as an independent federal entity the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or People With Other Significant Disabilities. (Effectively replacing the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.) Requires the Committee to establish and publish in the Federal Register a list of products and services suitable for federal government procurement which are provided by qualified nonprofit agencies for people who are blind or for people with other significant disabilities. Requires federal agencies to procure from such qualified nonprofit agencies, at a Committee-established price, products (except prison-made products) or services essentially the same as those on the procurement list. Requires the Committee to designate a tax-exempt central nonprofit agency or agencies for people who are blind and one or more for people with other significant disabilities, which shall evaluate their respective nonprofit agencies and recommend suitable products or services to add to the procurement list. Authorizes the Committee to conduct pilot or demonstration projects on methods to increase the use of: (1) such products or services by the federal government; as well as (2) people who are blind and people with other significant disabilities. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require the Committee Chairman to: (1) appoint an Inspector General for the Committee; and (2) establish a Panel on the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or People With Other Significant Disabilities. Establishes in the general fund of the Treasury in a separate account a Committee for Purchase Fund for the collection and deposit of fees from each central nonprofit agency. Repeals the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Supports the designation of National Work and Family Month. Recognizes the importance of balancing work and family to job productivity and healthy families, and that an important job characteristic is a work schedule that allows employees to spend time with families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 - States that it is U.S. policy to support a transition to democratic and economic recovery in Zimbabwe that reflects the political conditions and opportunities created by the Global Political Agreement (GPA). Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide assistance to strengthen the rule of law and human rights in Zimbabwe. Authorizes the President, through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide assistance to Zimbabwe for: (1) sustainable development; (2) health care; (3) education; (4) agriculture; and (5) clean water. Direct the President to develop an emergency vocational youth work program for the construction and repair of public works of benefit to the entire population of Zimbabwe. Authorizes the President to provide economic assistance to Zimbabwe to support democracy and civil authority, human rights, economic self-sufficiency, education and health care, reconciliation, and GPA implementation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide technical assistance to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance and line ministries. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) forgive the debt of Zimbabwe held by any U.S. government agency; and (2) direct the U.S. Executive Director at each international financial institution of which the United States is a member to vote in favor of programs for Zimbabwe. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain sanctions on financial institutions should be lifted to allow financial institutions to assist communal farmers, civil servants, pensioners, and the people of Zimbabwe, and that technical assistance should be provided to such institutions if: (1) the Finance Ministry of Zimbabwe does not politicize lending or extending credit; (2) no individual who is subject to U.S. or European Union (EU) sanctions serves as a board member, advisor, or employee of any financial institution in Zimbabwe; and (3) no funds are made available to Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank. Lifts targeted sanctions against a person upon a presidential certification to Congress that such person: (1) has taken significant steps to help strengthen democracy, respect human rights, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe; and (2) has played a constructive role in GPA implementation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Transportation and Housing Affordability Transparency Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop publicly a transportation affordability index that measures the transportation costs associated with the location of a home, both on a neighborhood and regional basis. Requires HUD to make the index publicly available through the Internet, as well as to Multiple Listing Services for real estate, regional and metropolitan planning organizations, local housing and planning agencies, and states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and transportation management agencies. Requires HUD to: (1) incorporate transportation costs associated with the location of housing into affordability measures and standards for HUD housing programs; (2) provide related information and resources to states to encourage them to incorporate transportation costs into their housing and land use plans; (3) work with regional and local government entities to integrate housing, transportation, and other costs associated with location into long-range transportation, land use, housing and community development, or investment plans; and (4) work with federal agencies to incorporate the transportation affordability index.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2010
Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care. Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years. Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
United States Postal Service's CSRS Obligation Modification Act of 2010 - Prescribes the "average pay" and the appropriate percentage thereof to be used in determining annuities for civilian employment with the United States Postal Service (USPS) for purposes of provisions relating to future benefits attributable to such employment in order to calculate the amount of any Postal surplus or supplemental liability under the Civil Service Retirement System. Requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM): (1) within six months after enactment of this Act, to determine (or, if applicable, redetermine) the amount of such surplus or liability as of the close of the most recently ending fiscal year using the methodology required under this Act; and (2) if the result is a surplus, to transfer the surplus amount to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2010
Recognizes the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fought and contributed to American victory in World War II on the 65th anniversary of the end of that war. Honors the families and decedents of those men and women, and the men and women themselves, whose lives were taken in defense of liberty and freedom. Remembers and honors the servicemembers today who are actively fighting for freedom and to protect the American way of life in ongoing combat operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Honors Dr. Robert Campbell for his lifelong devotion to children's health care. Congratulates Dr. Campbell and his colleagues on their extraordinary achievement in pediatric and orthopedic innovation. Recognizes the Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib device which has saved the lives of many infants and children. Calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue to support and incentivize other medical advances to save children's lives threatened by rare disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Gulf Coast Conservation Corps Act of 2010 - Establishes the Gulf Coast Conservation Corps. Requires the President, through the Corps, to hire individuals who meet certain requirements (unemployed, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, physically capable of performing work, and not enrolled as a full-time student) to carry out rehabilitation and enhancement projects involving the construction, maintenance, cleaning, and restoration in any area of the Gulf of Mexico affected by the oil discharged as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Prohibits Corps participants whose positions are funded under this Act from displacing other employees whose positions are not funded under this Act. Allows Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund amounts to be used for the costs of carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Expresses support for the designation National Minority Golf Awareness Day. Urges public and private sector efforts to encourage minority participation in golf.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2010
Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions prohibiting knowingly creating, selling, or possessing a depiction of animal cruelty to prohibit knowingly and for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain selling or distributing an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce. States that such prohibition does not prohibit the sale or distribution of any visual depiction of hunting, trapping, fishing, or customary and normal veterinary or agricultural husbandry practices. Defines "animal crush video" as any obscene photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image that depicts actual conduct in which one or more living animals is intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, or impaled in a manner that would violate a criminal prohibition on cruelty to animals in the federal or state jurisdiction in which the depiction is created, sold, distributed, or offered for sale or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Quality Cancer Care for Life Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors by expanding CDC cancer control programs, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the National Program of Cancer Registries. Requires the Director of CDC to award grants to: (1) develop, implement, and evaluate cancer case management and coordination programs to enhance the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for patients and survivors and to improve cancer outcomes; and (2) train individuals to undertake the quality of life needs of cancer patients, survivors, and family caregivers. Requires the Secretary to establish a Quality of Life Advisory Committee to advise, coordinate, and assist the CDC in creating and conducting the cancer quality of life and survivorship activities, program enhancements, and training initiatives under this Act. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to undertake additional cancer quality of life and survivorship research that addresses pain, symptom management, side effects and late effects, and psychosocial factors to improve cancer clinical communication and care planning, treatment and post-treatment, and follow-up care across the life course.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Supports the designation of Gospel Music Heritage Month (September 2010), which would recognize the contributions to U.S. culture derived from the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
Calls for an end to the violence, arrests, torture, and ill treatment perpetrated against Iranian citizens as well as the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Iran. Calls upon the U.S. government, the President, and the Secretary of State to condemn human rights violations in Iran and support the Iranian people's endeavors towards democracy. Calls for an end to a selective approach to Iranian opponents who struggle for democracy and human rights and invites the Secretary, in coalition with British and European allies, to remove the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Calls for the adoption of measures by the President to impose sanctions while welcoming the U.S. government's efforts to create an international consensus to deal with Iran's nuclear program. Calls on the President to persuade U.S. allies and other countries to enact appropriate measures aimed at depriving Iranian banks and financial institutions involved in nuclear activities and backing of terrorist groups from access to the international monetary system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2010
Fresh Start Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to allow an individual convicted of a nonviolent criminal offense to file a petition for expungement of the record of such conviction. Allows expungement if such individual: (1) has never been convicted of any criminal offense other than the nonviolent offense for which expungement is sought; (2) has fulfilled all requirements of the sentence of the court, including payment of all fines, restitution, or assessments and completion of terms of imprisonment and probation; and (3) has remained free (if required by the court's sentence) from dependency on or abuse of alcohol or a controlled substance for at least one year. Requires the Attorney General to maintain an unaltered nonpublic copy of expunged criminal records, to be disclosed for limited purposes to federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to increase by 5% grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to states that implement expungement procedures substantially similar to the procedures enacted by this Act. Decreases such grant funding by 5% for states that fail to adopt expungement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to define a "high volume retail breeder" as a person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit: (1) has an ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs; and (2) sells, via any means of conveyance, more than 50 of the offspring of such dogs for use as pets in any one-year period. Considers such a breeder of dogs to be a dealer. Requires dealers to include on licensing applications and annual renewals the total number of dogs exempted from exercise on the premises of the dealer in the preceding year by a licensed veterinarian. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate requirements for the exercise of dogs at facilities owned or operated by a dealer, including requiring daily access to exercise that: (1) allows the dogs to move sufficiently in a way that is not forced, repetitive, or restrictive; and (2) is in an area that is spacious, cleaned at least once a day, free of infestation by pests or vermin, and designed to prevent the dogs from escaping. Allows an exemption if: (1) a licensed veterinarian determines that a dog should not exercise because of the health, condition, or well-being of the dog; and (2) such determination is reviewed and updated at least once every 30 days by the veterinarian, unless the basis for the determination is a permanent condition. Subjects such a determination to review and approval by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Congratulates the people of the 17 African nations that in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national independence. Honors the lives of the thousands of patriots, including innocent civilians, who died, were imprisoned, or otherwise dedicated their lives to achieving African independence. Commends the socioeconomic and political progress being made by these nations while acknowledging the associated challenges that many still face. Renews the commitment of the United States to help the people of sub-Saharan Africa to foster democratic rule and promote market-based economic growth and to alleviate the burden of poverty and disease that many in the region continue to face.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
Honors Dr. Larry Case on his retirement as National FFA Advisor. (National FFA is a youth organization that is a part of agricultural programs at middle and high schools.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
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 2010
Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010 - Prohibits any person from making any deceptive or misleading statement, or engaging in any deceptive or misleading act, that: (1) misrepresents whether such person holds a state health care license; or (2) misrepresents such person's education, training, degree, license, or clinical expertise. Requires any person who is advertising health care services provided by such person to disclose the applicable license under which such person is authorized to provide those services. Deems a violation of this Act to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and report to Congress on health care professionals' misrepresentations under this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed or have the effect of changing state scope of practice for any health care professional.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Directs the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a Veterans' Curation Program to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist the Corps with its curation and historic preservation activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments received by a student under a comprehensive student work-learning-service program operated by a work college.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2010
Defense Sexual Trauma Response Oversight and Good Governance Act (Defense STRONG Act) - Establishes within the Department of Defense (DOD) a Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to serve as the single point of authority, accountability, and oversight for DOD policy regarding prevention of and response to sexual assault, and to provide oversight to ensure that the sexual assault programs of the military departments comply with DOD policy. Requires the assignment within each military department of at least one full-time Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and one full-time Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, allowing the Secretary of the military department concerned to assign additional coordinators and/or advocates based on the demographics or needs of the unit. Allows only members of the Armed Forces (members) or DOD civilian personnel to be assigned as coordinators or advocates. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a professional training and certification program for such coordinators and advocates, and requires performance evaluations of all coordinators and advocates. Entitles any member, or dependent of a member, who is the victim of a sexual assault to legal assistance provided by a military legal assistance counsel and Victim Advocate service, regardless of whether the member or dependent elects unrestricted or restricted (confidential) reporting of the assault. Makes privileged any communications between a member or dependent and a Victim Advocate. Directs the Secretary to provide for the inclusion of a sexual assault prevention and response training module at each level of professional military education.
![Official portrait of Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_mo_5_cleaver_emanuel_200.jpg)