United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Prescription Coverage for Now Act of 2009 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct the Commissioner of Social Security, through certain information requests to the Secretary of the Treasury, to provide for the identification of individuals potentially eligible for low-income subsidies (LIS) and transmit them low-income subsidy applications if they are also part D eligible. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, jointly with the Commissioner, to develop a model, simplified low-income subsidy application and process. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the Commissioner's request, to disclose tax return information to facilitate identification of individuals likely to be eligible for Medicare prescription drug program low-income subsidies. Entitles low-income subsidy beneficiaries to retroactive reimbursement for previously incurred covered drug costs. Prescribes requirements for enhanced oversight and enforcement relating to such reimbursements. Establishes an asset standard for LIS eligibility for 2011 of $27,500 (or $55,000 in the case of the combined value of the individual's assets or resources and the assets or resources of the individual's spouse), increased in subsequent years by the annual percentage increase in the consumer price index. Exempts retirement benefits from resources under the LIS programs. Increases the income eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for full benefits and 200% of the FPL for partial benefits under the LIS program. Authorizes indexing of deductible and cost-sharing above the annual out-of-pocket threshold for individuals with incomes below 200% of FPL. Prohibits the treating of LIS premium and cost-sharing subsidies as benefits, or otherwise taking them into account, in determining an individual's eligibility for, or amount of benefits under, any other federal program. Requires individuals eligible for Medicare Savings Programs to be deemed subsidy eligible individuals under LIS. Establishes a special enrollment period for subsidy eligible individuals under LIS.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy Act; or the P.R.O.U.D. Act - Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Act to provide for the naturalization of certain graduates of U.S. high schools who are under 25 years of age on the date of application for naturalization.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules regarding the primary sale, distribution, and pricing of tickets, including regarding: (1) disclosing the number of tickets and the distribution method; (2) printing the date and time of sale on each ticket; (3) disclosure on the seller's website or in promotional material of all ancillary charges; and (4) inclusion of all ancillary charges in any refund. Requires the FTC to promulgate rules regarding the secondary sale, distribution, and pricing of tickets, including regarding: (1) disclosure if the secondary seller does not possess the ticket at the time of the sale; (2) purchase by a secondary seller during the first 48 hours of ticket availability; (3) disclosure of the distribution method, the face value of each ticket, and the location of the seat or space involved; (4) disclosure that an online marketplace is for secondary sale; (5) resale for a price higher than face value; and (6) disclosure by an online marketplace when the secondary seller is the primary seller, venue, or artist involved. Requires secondary sellers and online resale marketplaces to register with the FTC. Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under of the Federal Trade Commission Act and requires the FTC to enforce this Act. Allows states to bring civil enforcement actions. Allows state and local laws that provide equal or greater protection to consumers.
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 · 2 June 2009
Declares the sense of the Congress that: (1) stable and affordable housing is an essential component of an effective strategy for HIV prevention, treatment, and care; and (2) the United States should make a commitment to providing adequate funding for developing housing as a response to the AIDS pandemic.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Homeowners' Defense Act of 2009 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium as a nonprofit, nonfederal entity to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, state residual insurance market entities, and state-sponsored providers of natural catastrophe insurance; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; (3) coordinate reinsurance contracts; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants; and (5) establish a database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on any such debt issued by eligible state programs for purposes of promoting the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state catastrophe insurance programs and expediting the payment of claims under such programs and better assist the financial recovery from significant natural catastrophes. Provides separate limits on the total principal amount of such obligations for programs that cover earthquake peril and those that cover all other perils. Directs the Secretary to make contracts for reinsurance coverage available for purchase by eligible state programs. Provides pricing guidelines and a limit on aggregate potential federal liability. Establishes a Federal Natural Catastrophe Reinsurance Fund in the Treasury to be funded by amounts received from the sale of reinsurance coverage contracts, amounts appropriated for liability for claims payment, and earnings on investments. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish and carry out a program of grants to eligible entities to develop, enhance, or maintain programs to prevent and mitigate losses from natural catastrophes. Requires a study of the need for and impact of expanding the programs established by this Act to apply to insured losses of eligible state programs for losses arising from commercial insurance policies that provide coverage for properties composed predominantly of residential rental units.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to reestablish the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB) as a nonprofit corporation to prescribe, on a multi-state basis, licensing and insurance producer qualification requirements and conditions. Retains states' regulatory authority over: (1) licensing, supervision, disciplining, and setting of licensing fees for insurance producers; and (2) insurance-related consumer protection and unfair trade practices. Authorizes NARAB to: (1) establish membership criteria, including a mandatory criminal background check for state-licensed insurance producers; and (2) deny membership to a state-licensed insurance producer on the basis of the criminal history information obtained. Grants NARAB enforcement powers, including denial of membership to any state-licensed insurance producer for failure to meet membership criteria. States that NARAB membership authorizes an insurance producer to engage in the business of insurance in any state for any lines of insurance specified in the producer's home state license, including claims adjustments and settlement, risk management, and specified insurance-related consulting activities. Retains state regulatory jurisdiction regarding consumer protection and market conduct. Requires NARAB to establish an office of consumer complaints, including a toll-free telephone number. Authorizes NARAB to coordinate with state insurance regulators to: (1) establish a central clearinghouse; and (2) establish a national database for the collection of regulatory information concerning the activities of insurance producers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Securing American Families by Educating and Training Youth (SAFETY) Through Nonviolence Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to state or local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based entities to prevent or alleviate the effects of community violence by educating, mentoring, and counseling youth regarding the principles and application of nonviolence in conflict resolution. Gives grant priority to applicants that agree to use the funds in communities experiencing an increase in violence, but lacking the resources to address violence prevention.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Medicare Lung Cancer Early Detection Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prescribe an increased radiologist service payment for chest radiography (x-ray) services that use Computer Aided Detection technology for the early detection of lung cancer.
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
Korean War Veterans Recognition Act - Adds National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the United States should be displayed.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Requires the Architect of the Capitol, subject to the approval of the House Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, to design, procure, and place in a prominent location in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center a marker which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the construction of the U.S. Capitol.
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 · 19 May 2009
Transportation Job Corps Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish: (1) a National Joint Workforce Development Council; and (2) regional workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its 10 regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are out of school and unemployed) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees (partnerships), as well as providers of management and technical programs for managerial employees, to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Increasing Homeownership Opportunities Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act and the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to increase limitations on the maximum original principal obligation of mortgages that may purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Association (Freddie Mac). Increases such limitations in areas where 125% (currently, 115%) of the median price of residences of a particular size exceed existing mortgage purchase limitations for such residence size. Gives the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) discretion to increase existing mortgage purchase limitations where an increase is warranted by higher median home prices in an area or sub-area and will have a significant impact on the cost or availability of mortgages for such homes. Amends the National Housing Act to raise limitations on the maximum principal obligation of mortgages that may be insured by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Gives the Secretary discretion to increase mortgage insurance limitations where an increase is warranted by higher median home prices in an area or sub-area and will have a significant impact on the cost or availability of mortgages for such homes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2009 - Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of the Social Security Act to provide for a program of comparative effectiveness research for health care. Defines "comparative effectiveness research" as research evaluating and comparing the implications and outcomes of two or more health care strategies to address a particular medical condition. Establishes the Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute as a nonprofit, nongovernmental corporation to conduct research on the effectiveness of health care treatments, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and procedures, and other therapies. Requires the Institute to: (1) identify national priorities for comparative clinical effectiveness research; (2) establish and update a research project agenda and provide for peer review of research; (3) establish a standing methodology committee for developing the science of comparative effectiveness research; and (4) disseminate research findings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund. Provides revenues for the Trust Fund by: (1) transferring amounts from certain appropriations for comparative effectiveness research, from the General Fund, and from the Medicare Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds; and (2) imposing a fee on certain accident or health insurance policies and self-insured health plans. Requires the Comptroller General to review financial audits of the Institute and assess the adequacy and use of funding. Terminates all funding for the Trust Fund after FY2020.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009 - Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a regional strategy to guide U.S. support for multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat to civilians and regional stability posed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and to enforce the rule of law and ensure full humanitarian access in LRA-affected areas. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to respond to the humanitarian needs of populations in northeastern Congo, southern Sudan, and Central African Republic affected by LRA activity. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State and Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should work with the appropriate congressional committees to increase future assistance to Uganda if the government of Uganda demonstrates a commitment to reconstruction in war-affected areas of northern and eastern Uganda. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should support efforts by the people of northern Uganda and the government of Uganda to: (1) promote local and national reconciliation including mechanisms outlined in the Annexure to the Agreement on Accountability and Reconciliation between the government of Uganda and the LRA; and (2) assist internally displaced people, establish mechanisms for the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, and enhance the competency of local institutions including the police.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education to refund to students the tuition and fees paid for education they will not receive due to their withdrawal from school to serve in the Armed Forces. Waives the application of any requirement that students return title IV funds upon withdrawing from school to students whose withdrawal is necessitated by service in the Armed Forces. Provides loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan programs to students whose withdrawal from school is necessitated by service in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Healthy Families Act - Requires certain employers, who employ 15 or more employees for each working day during 20 or more workweeks a year, to permit each employee to earn at least one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Declares that an employer shall not be required to permit an employee to earn more than 56 hours of paid sick time in a calendar year, unless the employer chooses to set a higher limit. Allows employees to use such time to: (1) meet their own medical needs; (2) care for the medical needs of certain family members; or (3) seek medical attention, assist a related person, take legal action, or engage in other specified activities relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Prohibits an employer from interfering with an employee's exercise of such rights. Directs the Secretary of Labor to exercise certain investigative and enforcement authority for employees covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 or the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991. Grants the same authority, for employees under their jurisdiction, to the Librarian of Congress, the Comptroller General, the Board of Directors of the congressional Office of Compliance, and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Authorizes civil actions by employees, individuals, or their representatives for damages or equitable relief against employers who violate this Act. Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to a suit brought by an employee of a federally-assisted state program or activity for relief authorized under this Act. Requires the Commissioner of Labor Statistics annually to compile information annually on paid sick time, and the Comptroller General to study related matters. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting or retaining more generous leave policies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Africa is of significant strategic, political, economic, and humanitarian importance to the United States; and (2) the United States should pursue an integrated policy to advance economic development and trade relations with African nations and to foster strategic, political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural ties of mutual benefit to the United States and Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2009
Private Prison Information Act of 2009 - Requires each nongovernmental entity or state or local governmental entity that has an agreement with any federal agency to incarcerate or detain federal prisoners in a non-federal prison or correctional facility to comply with all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements, including the duty to release information about the operation of a non-federal prison or correctional facility and the applicability of exceptions and exemptions under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the research and training activities with respect to scleroderma. Directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out an educational campaign to increase public awareness of scleroderma.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date. Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014. Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
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
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
Supports the goals and ideals of Title VI (International Education Programs) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Recognizes the need to continue to develop and promote international educational programs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to: (1) design an educational display to explain the significance of the naming of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center; and (2) place the display in an appropriate location in Emancipation Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Preserving Patient Access to Primary Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award recruitment incentive grants or contracts to graduate medical schools to enable them to improve primary care education and training for medical students. Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) award grants to critical shortage health facilities to enable them to provide scholarships to individuals who agree to serve as physicians at such facilities after completing a residency in a primary care field; (2) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as primary care physicians or primary care providers (including nurse practitioners) in an area that is not a health professional shortage area but has a critical shortage of such physicians or providers; and (3) establish an educational loan repayment program for individuals who agree to serve as physicians in the field of obstetrics and gynecology or as certified nurse midwives in an area that is not a health professional shortage area. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for deferment of education loans during medical residency and internships in a primary care field. Amends the PHSA to direct the Secretary to award grants to eligible state and local government entities for the development of informational materials that promote careers in primary care. Amends the PHSA to extend the authorization of appropriations for training in a family medicine, general internal medicine, general geriatrics, general pediatrics, physician assistance, general dentistry, and pediatric dentistry Authorizes increased appropriations for the national health service corps scholarships and loan repayment programs. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow the use of Medicaid transformation payments for methods for improving medical assistance under Medicaid and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) by encouraging certain medical practices to qualify as patient centered medical homes. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) to: (1) increase budget neutrality limits under the physician fee schedule to account for anticipated savings resulting from payments for certain services and the coordination of beneficiary care; and (2) require a separate Medicare payment for designated primary care services and comprehensive care coordination services. Amends SSA title XVIII to cover patient-centered medical home services. Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to increase payments for designated evaluation and management services provided by primary and principal care providers. Requires: (1) additional incentive payments for primary care services furnished in health professional shortage areas; (2) permanent extension of the floor on the Medicare work geographic adjustment under the physician fee schedule; and (3) permanent extension of the Medicare incentive payment program for physician scarcity areas. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the process for determining relative value under the Medicare physician fee schedule. Eliminates cost sharing for preventive benefits and the time restriction for initial preventive physical examination. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) facilitating the receipt of Medicare preventive services by Medicare beneficiaries; (2) increasing the ability of physicians and primary care providers to assist Medicare beneficiaries in obtaining needed prescriptions under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program); and (3) developing and implementing mechanisms to promote and increase interaction between physicians or primary care providers and the families of Medicare beneficiaries, as well as other caregivers who support such beneficiaries, for the purpose of improving patient care under the Medicare program. Requires additional payments to physicians for services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Requires various specified studies. Directs the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) to provide an ongoing assessment of the impact of changes in Medicare payment policies in improving access to and equity of payments to primary care physicians and primary care providers. Authorizes distribution of additional residency positions and the counting of resident time in certain outpatient settings. Establishes rules for counting resident time in a nonhospital setting primarily engaged in furnishing patient care in non-patient care activities, such as didactic and scholarly activities and other activities (but not research not associated with the treatment or diagnosis of a particular patient). Authorizes redistribution of residency slots after a hospital closes or is acquired by another entity with the approval of a bankruptcy court. Directs the Secretary to revise the 9th Statement of Work under the Quality Improvement Program to include a requirement that, in order to be an eligible Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for the 9th Statement of Work contract cycle, a QIO provide assistance, including technical assistance, to physicians under the Medicare program that seek to acquire the elements necessary to be recognized as a patient centered medical home practice under the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Physician Practice Connections -- PCMH module.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful for any person to operate a gun show unless such person: (1) has attained 21 years of age; (2) is not prohibited from transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms and has not violated any federal firearms requirements; (3) has registered with the Attorney General as a gun show operator and has provided a photograph and fingerprints; (4) has not concealed material information nor made false statements in connection with a gun show operator registration; and (5) notifies the Attorney General of the date, time, and duration of a gun show not later than 30 days before the commencement of such show and verifies the identity of each vendor at the gun show. Imposes recordkeeping requirements on gun show operators and criminal penalties for failure to register as a gun show operator and maintain required records. Grants the Attorney General authority to enter the business premises of any gun show operator, without a showing of reasonable cause or a warrant, to examine records and inventory to determine compliance with this Act. Increases criminal penalties for serious recordkeeping violations and violations of criminal background check requirements. Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire additional investigators to carry out inspections of gun shows.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Minority Small Business Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to consider an individual with a net worth of less than $1.5 million as eligible for participation in a Small Business Administration (SBA) program providing grants to small businesses owned and controlled by economically disadvantaged individuals. Allows a small business to receive SBA developmental assistance under the program for the entire period of an SBA-guaranteed loan. Redefines the term "bundled contract" to mean a contract or order entered into to meet procurement requirements that are consolidated in a bundling of contract requirements, without regard to its designation by the procuring agency or whether a study of the effects of the solicitation on civilian or military personnel has been made, subject to exceptions. Expands the definition of "bundling of contract requirements." Makes the revised and expanded definitions inapplicable to contracts for construction services under $65 million or under $5 million for all other types of contracts. Increases from: (1) 23% to 25% the government-wide small business procurement contract goal; and (2) 5% to 10% the government-wide procurement goal for small disadvantaged businesses and women-owned businesses. Limits the number of categories for which a small business may qualify under such goals. Requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress on disparities in the awarding of federal contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, small businesses, and other businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Future Physicians Serving America Act of 2009 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to make Peace Corps volunteers eligible for a year of tuition assistance for undergraduate medical education for each year of service in the Peace Corps. Limits such assistance to a maximum of two years. Amends the National and Community Service Trust Act to provide individuals who successfully complete a required term of full-time or part-time national service an educational award for undergraduate medical education. Makes such assistance applicable to up to two terms of service.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Congratulates LeBron James for: (1) being named the 2008-2009 National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player; and (2) being the first Cleveland Cavaliers player, and the youngest player since 1979, to be named Most Valuable Player. Recognizes his contributions to the cities of Akron and Cleveland.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Eliminating Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a breast cancer treatment quality performance system to: (1) assess and disclose publicly, through the use of quality measures, the quality of care provided for the treatment of breast cancer by specified health care providers; and (2) base payment to such providers for such treatment on their performance with respect to such measures. Requires reduced payments to providers that either do not submit data in accordance with the reporting process in the system, or furnish low quality care for treatment of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research and Awareness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to: (1) conduct, support, and expand epidemiology research on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) in pediatric and adult populations and establish a registry of pediatric IBD patients; (2) enter into cooperative agreements to develop and administer such epidemiology research and the pediatric IBD registry; and (3) award grants to increase awareness of IBD among the general public and health care providers. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include information on IBD research in the biennial reports of NIH to Congress. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Directors of NIH and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases should support specified research and training goals for inflammatory bowel disease.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require hospitals to implement staffing plans that meet specified ratios for direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing levels for each unit and other requirements, including for receiving input from nurses. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to further limit such ratios as needed to ensure public safety and to establish ratios for units not specified. Provides an exception to such staffing requirements for a declared state of emergency. Requires hospitals to provide the Secretary with their staffing plan and annual updates. Requires the Secretary to conduct audits to ensure the implementation of adequate staffing plans. Requires the Secretary: (1) acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to complete a study of licensed practical nurse staffing and its effects on patient care in hospitals; and (2) to establish requirements for hospitals based on the outcome of the study. Requires the Secretary to adjust payments to cover additional Medicare costs that are attributable to this Act. Requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to submit to Congress and the Secretary a report estimating total costs and savings attributable to compliance with nurse staffing requirements. Provides nurses with the right to refuse to accept assignments that would violate staffing requirements or for which they are not prepared. Prohibits retaliation by hospitals for such refusals or for reporting violations of staffing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
United States-Cuba Trade Normalization Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal the embargo on trade with Cuba. Prohibits the exercise by the President with respect to Cuba of certain authorities conferred by the Trading With the Enemy Act and exercised on July 1, 1977, as a result of a specified national emergency. Makes ineffective any prohibition on exports to Cuba under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Authorizes the President to impose export controls with respect to Cuba and exercise certain authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act only on account of an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security that did not exist before enactment of this Act. Repeals: (1) the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992; (2) the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996; (3) the prohibition under the Food Security Act of 1985 against allocation of the annual sugar quota to any country unless its officials verify that it does not import for reexport to the United States any sugar produced in Cuba; and (4) the prohibition under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 on transactions or payments respecting certain U.S. intellectual property. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism subject to agricultural and medical export restrictions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the denial of the foreign tax credit with respect to Cuba. Authorizes common carriers to install and repair telecommunications equipment and facilities in Cuba, and otherwise provide telecommunications services between the United States and Cuba. Prohibits regulation or banning of travel to and from Cuba by U.S. citizens or residents, or of any transactions incident to travel. Directs the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Urges the President to take all necessary steps to conduct negotiations with the Government of Cuba to: (1) settle claims of U.S. nationals against Cuba for the taking of property; and (2) secure protection of internationally recognized human rights. Extends nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to the products of Cuba. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that may be made by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Rescinds any determination by the Secretary of State that Cuba has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Women's Health Week. Recognizes the importance of: (1) preventing diseases that commonly affect women; and (2) federally funded programs that provide research and collect data on common diseases in women. Calls on women to observe National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive screenings.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal Act - Authorizes the President to present gold medals, on behalf of Congress, to: (1) the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission to the surface of the moon, Neil A. Armstrong (the first human to walk on the moon), Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. (pilot of the lunar module Eagle and second person to walk on the moon), and Michael Collins (pilot of their command module Columbia) in recognition of the first lunar landing, on July 20, 1969; and (2) John Herschel Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, on February 20, 1962.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 - Includes as part of the Republic of Vietnam, for purposes of the presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure by veterans to certain herbicide agents while in Vietnam, such Republic's inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above. Includes as veterans eligible for such presumption those who: (1) served on Johnston Island during the period beginning on April 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1977; or (2) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Preserving the American Historical Record Act - Requires the Archivist of the United States to make grants to states to: (1) protect historical records; (2) use such records in new and creative ways; (3) provide education and training to those who care for historical records; and (4) create a wide variety of access tools, including finding aids, documentary editions, indexes, and images of key records maintained on state and local organization websites. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of grant funds to states. Requires the Archivist to consult with state archivists, state secretaries of state, or other appropriate state and local officials who have administrative responsibilities for archival functions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009
Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to require: (1) states to use grants for safe and drug-free schools to collect and report information on the incidence of bullying and harassment; and (2) local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools to use subgrants to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying and harassment. Requires such LEAs or schools to: (1) notify parents and students annually of conduct prohibited in their school discipline policies, that now must include bullying and harassment; and (2) establish grievance procedures for students and parents to register complaints regarding such conduct. Includes bullying and harassment within the Act's definition of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to grant the Attorney General the authority to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of a federal firearms and explosives license to any individual if the Attorney General: (1) determines that such individual has been engaged in or has provided material support or resources for terrorist activities; and (2) has a reasonable belief that such individual may use a firearm or explosive in connection with terrorism. Allows any individual whose firearm or explosives license application has been been denied to bring legal action challenging the denial. Prohibits the sale or distribution of firearms or explosives to any individual whom the Attorney General has determined to be engaged in terrorist activities. Permits the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation suits if the Attorney General determines that the disclosure of such information would likely compromise national security. Authorizes the Attorney General to revoke firearms and explosives licenses and permits held by individuals determined to be engaged in terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2009
Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to eliminate specified mandatory minimum penalties relating to the trafficking in, and possession, importation, or distribution of, crack cocaine.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission Act of 2009 - Establishes the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission which shall: (1) review and evaluate U.S. illicit drug supply policy (with particular emphasis on international drug policies and programs directed toward Western Hemisphere countries) and demand reduction policies and programs; and (2) identify policy and program options to improve existing international and domestic counternarcotics policy. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of the report required under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
Routine HIV Screening Coverage Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group health plan to provide coverage for routine HIV screening under terms and conditions no less favorable than for other routine screenings. Prohibits such a plan from taking specified actions to avoid the requirements of this Act. Applies such requirements to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market and coverage offered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
SMA Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a national clinical trials network for spinal muscular atrophy by upgrading and unifying spinal muscular atrophy clinical trial sites and recruiting new investigators and sites. Requires the Director to ensure that such network: (1) conducts coordinated, multisite, clinical trials of therapies and clinical approaches to the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) rapidly and efficiently disseminates scientific findings to the field. Requires the Director to: (1) establish a data coordinating center with respect to spinal muscular atrophy; and (2) expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to preclinical translation research related to spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance and support a spinal muscular atrophy patient registry to provide for expanded epidemiological research towards improving awareness, management, treatment, and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. Requires the Secretary to ensure the collection and analysis of longitudinal data related to individuals of all ages. Directs the Secretary to establish the Interagency Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Coordinating Committee. Sets forth the duties of the Committee, including to develop a comprehensive strategy related to spinal muscular atrophy research and other related neurological diseases and disorders. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on spinal muscular atrophy to health professionals and the general public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2009
Thanks and promotes the teaching profession to encourage students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to participate in National Teacher Appreciation Week.
![Official portrait of Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001137_200.jpg)