United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2007
Supports the goals of the Ten Commandments Commission and recognizes the vital contributions of America's tens of thousands of spiritual leaders, churches, synagogues, fellowships, ministries, and organizations participating in Ten Commandments Weekend. Congratulates the Ten Commandments Commission and all supporting spiritual leaders, churches, synagogues, fellowships, ministries, and organizations for their key role in promoting and ensuring recognition of the Ten Commandments as the cornerstone of Western law.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Travel Promotion Act of 2007 - Establishes the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a nonprofit corporation that is not an agency or establishment of the U.S. government. Makes the Corporation subject to the provisions of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Corporation, among other things, to provide useful information to people interested in traveling to the United States, identify and address perceptions in other countries regarding U.S. entry policies, and promote U.S. travel. Establishes in the Treasury the Travel Promotion Fund. Requires the transfer of Treasury funds to the Corporation, requiring nonfederal matching funds. Authorizes the U.S. government, if a fully automated electronic system is implemented to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of an alien to travel to the United States, to charge an applicant a system use fee. Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to replace references to the United States National Tourism Organization with references to the Corporation. Modifies various requirements applicable to the Tourism Policy Council. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 to remove provisions establishing the United States Travel and Tourism Promotion Advisory Board.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2007
Redesignates: (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, as the "NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center;" and (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Western Aeronautical Test Range in California as the "NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range."
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2007
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and history of the U.S. Infantry, in commemoration of the legacy of the U.S. Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. Expresses the sense of Congress that the coins should be struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York, to the greatest extent possible. Restricts coin issuance to calendar year 2012. Requires a $10 surcharge per coin, and payment of all surcharges received to the National Infantry Foundation to establish an endowment to support the maintenance of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2007
Extends condolences to the family of Marvin Harold Zindler (investigative journalist in Houston, Texas) and his Channel 13 KTRK family. Mourns his passing and honors him for his service to the people of Houston, American citizens, and the international community, particularly politically underrepresented, economically powerless, and physically ill and disabled people, through his entrepreneurial journalism.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2007
Equitable Access for DC Hunters Act of 2007 - Authorizes the chief executive of Maryland and the chief executive of Virginia to each enter into an agreement with the Mayor of the District of Columbia under which: (1) any resident of the District who applies for a hunting license shall be treated as an in-state resident for purposes of the license; and (2) the Mayor of the District shall reimburse either state for revenue forgone as a result of participating in the agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2007
Quadrennial National Security Review Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to direct the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a quadrennial national security review (QNSR) to set forth the long- and short-term security goals of the United States; and (2) report review results to Congress. Establishes the QNSR Advisory Commission to assess such reports and the national security budget. Directs the President to submit a national security strategy report at the same time that each QNSR is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to redefine "electronic surveillance" as: (1) the installation or use of an electronic, mechanical, or other surveillance device for acquiring information by intentionally directing surveillance at a particular person believed to be in the United States when that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and a warrant would be required for law enforcement purposes; or (2) the intentional acquisition of the contents of any communication when that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and a warrant would be required for law enforcement purposes, if both the sender and all intended recipients are believed to be in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Protecting America's Children Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Attorney General from providing funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to states or local governments that fail to certify that their laws provide adequate protection against the pre-trial release of individuals charged with certain violent or serious sex crimes (e.g., kidnapping and sexual abuse or exploitation of a child) and who pose a serious risk of fleeing, obstructing justice, or threatening, injuring, or intimidating a potential witness, judge, magistrate, or juror.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Sex Offender Internet Prohibition Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum term of 20 years on individuals required to register as sex offenders who knowingly access a website with the intent to communicate with a child under the age of 18 years who is unaware that such individual is a registered sex offender.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2007
Violent Crime Prevention and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) authorize the Attorney General to impose civil fines on firearms licensees who willfully violate federal firearms laws; (2) increase criminal penalties for transferring firearms for use in crimes of violence or drug trafficking and for conspiracies against the United States; (3) increase criminal penalties for felons with prior convictions for violent crimes and serious drug offenses who unlawfully possess firearms; (4) expand criteria for the detention for persons charged with firearms offenses prior to trial; (5) include other felony crimes of violence in the prohibition against interstate travel to commit murder-for-hire and increase criminal penalties for such crimes; (6) impose a 10-year limitation period for prosecutions of noncapital crimes of violence and terrorism; and (7) impose increased criminal penalties for illegal aliens who commit felony crimes of violence or drug trafficking.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
National Guard and Reserve Higher Education Fairness Act - Allows educational assistance to continue to be provided to a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who incurs a break in service from the Selected Reserve of any period of time (current law prohibits such break from being more than 90 days) if the member continues to serve in the Ready Reserve during and after such break in service.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2007
Expresses outrage over Hugo Chavez's recent actions respecting control of energy companies operating in Venezuela. Encourages the protection of investment and respect for the sanctity of property rights. Recognizes the hard work and contributions of American workers, engineers, and scientists abroad, without whom, projects in Venezuela would not exist. Urges: (1) American companies to stand up for their shareholders' property rights; and (2) the U.S. government to continue providing a model of public-private cooperation to the world in delivering on the energy needs of its citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2007
No More Excuses Energy Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the taxpayer election to expense the cost of certain refinery property not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for the financing of domestic use oil refinery facilities; (2) extend through 2018 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind facilities; and (3) allow tax credits for the production of electricity from nuclear energy, natural gas production, and carbon dioxide tertiary injectant processes. Requires the President to designate at least 10 sites for oil or natural gas refineries on federal lands and make such sites available to the private sector for construction of refineries. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from denying an application for nuclear waste disposal on the grounds of present or future insufficient capacity. Terminates all existing federal laws prohibiting expenditures to conduct oil and natural gas leasing and preleasing activities in the Outer Continental Shelf. American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Repeals the prohibition against producing oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Sets forth requirements for the sale of oil and natural gas leases in the Coastal Plain, environmental protection, transportation easements, and royalty payments to Alaska. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to assist Alaska jurisdictions that are directly impacted by oil and gas exploration and production in the Coastal Plain.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2007
States that Congress: (1) reiterates its strongest condemnation of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina; (2) expresses its sympathy to the victims' relatives; (3) applauds the government of Argentina for increasing the pace of the investigation, as well as on its recently passed anti-terrorism legislation; (4) urges the government of Argentina to continue to provide the resources necessary for its judicial system and intelligence agencies to fully investigate the AMIA case and bring those responsible to justice; (5) calls upon the General Assembly of INTERPOL to issue and implement international arrest warrants; and (6) calls upon responsible nations to cooperate fully with the investigation, including by detaining and extraditing to Argentina any of the Iranian officials and former officials, Hezbollah operatives, and Islamist militants against whom Argentine or international arrest warrants are pending in connection with such case.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2007
Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) specify restrictions on the sale and display to the general public of Social Security account numbers (SSNs) by governmental entities; (2) prohibit the display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on checks issued for payment by such entities; (3) prohibit governmental entity display of SSNs (or any derivatives) on employee identification cards or tags (IDs); (4) prohibit access to the SSNs of other individuals by prisoners employed by governmental entities; (5) prohibit the selling, purchasing, or displaying of SSNs (with certain exceptions) to the general public, or the acquisition or use of any individual's SSN to locate or identify such individual with the intent to physically injure or harm him or her, or to use the individual's ID for any illegal purpose by any person; (6) provide for uniform standards for truncation of an SSN; and (7) establish new criminal penalties for the misuse of SSNs. Amends SSA title XI to provide for the application of civil monetary penalty to specified offenses involving SSNs or Social Security cards. Establishes: (1) new criminal penalties for employees of the Social Security Administration who knowingly and fraudulently issue Social Security cards or SSNs; and (2) enhanced penalties in cases of terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes of violence, or prior offenses. Amends SSA title XI with respect to regulatory and enforcement authority with respect to misuse of SSNs. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council to study and report to the Commissioner and Congress on: (1) the extent of the use of SSNs as a primary means of authenticating identity or for verification in commercial transactions; and (2) the feasibility of a prohibition on such use. Requires the study also to examine possible alternatives to SSNs for such uses.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Military Spouses Memorial Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Military Spouse Legacy Association, Inc., to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor all those who have put their country first as military spouses throughout our Nation's history. Prohibits the use of federal funds to pay any expense of the establishment of the commemorative work. Makes the Military Spouse Legacy Association, Inc., solely responsible for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, the establishment of such work.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for social security taxes paid for employee cash tips to employers of cosmetologists. Requires employers of cosmetologists to report income and tips of their cosmetologist employees and to provide income and tip information to self-employed cosmetologists to whom they pay more than $600 in the taxable year. Imposes similar reporting requirements upon individuals who rent chairs to cosmetologists. Requires such employers to provide their cosmetologist employees and self-employed cosmetologists with information on the tax and tip reporting obligations of employees and self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2007
Unconditionally supports the members of the National Guard and recognizes their sacrifices made on behalf of the United States. States that the House of Representatives will: (1) do everything in its power to ensure that the National Guard receives the resources it needs; and (2) support the families of Guard members who have died while serving on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2007
Secure Borders FIRST (For Integrity, Reform, Safety, and Anti-Terrorism) Act of 2007 - Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) border security; (2) detention of dangerous aliens; (3) removal of alien gang members; (4) grants to state and local law enforcement agencies assisting with borders security and immigration enforcement; and (5) expedited removal on criminal or security grounds. Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Social Security Protection Act of 2007 - Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) social security identification; and (2) employer and recruiter requirements. Employment Eligibility Verification and Anti-Identity Theft Act - Establishes an employment eligibility and identity verification system. New IDEA (Illegal Deduction Elimination Act) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (Code) to prohibit a deduction from gross income for wages paid to an unauthorized alien. Stop the Misuse of ITINs Act of 2007 - Amends the Code to require Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and employer notification of the employment status of individuals not authorized to work in the United States. Sets forth birth certificate security provisions. Provides for immigration enforcement sharing of social security information. Revises the temporary agricultural worker program. States that English shall be the official language of the U.S. government. Sets forth related English-language provisions. Prohibits federal agency acceptance for any official purpose of personal identification issued by a foreign government (with a passport exception).
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the American Battlefield Protection Act of 1996 to extend the American Battlefield Protection Program until September 30, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Veterans Education Tuition Support Act of 2007 or VETS Act of 2007 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require an institution of higher education, whenever a servicemember is called, activated, or ordered to military service and therefore withdraws or takes a leave of absence from such institution, to: (1) refund to the servicemember tuition and other fees paid for the portion of the program of education for which the servicemember did not receive academic credit after such withdrawal or leave; and (2) provide the servicemember an opportunity to reenroll at the institution with the same educational and academic status that the servicemember had when ordered to military service. Requires a provider of a student loan with respect to such a servicemember: (1) if the servicemember reenrolls in the program of education (or a comparable program) within 13 months following the period of military service, to disregard the entire period that the education was discontinued in determining the date on which student loan repayment is to begin; or (2) if the servicemember does not reenroll, to not require loan repayment to begin before the later of the last day of such 13-month period or the date the repayment was otherwise required to begin. Prohibits a court from granting a creditor relief from the 6% limit on interest charged against the indebtedness of a servicemember during a period of military service in the case of an obligation or liability incurred by a servicemember who is a student at an institution of higher education at the time of the call to service.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812. Requires a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812, particularly the Battle for Fort McHenry that formed the basis for the Star-Spangled Banner . Authorizes the Secretary to issue the coins only during the calendar year beginning on January 1, 2012. Requires specified surcharges in sales of the coin, which shall be paid to the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for: (1) the purpose of supporting bicentennial activities; and (2) preservation and improvement activities relating to the sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2007
Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE standards) provisions for non-passenger and passenger automobiles to: (1) provide for increased average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles; (2) permit separate average fuel economy standards for non-passenger and passenger automobiles based on vehicle attributes related to fuel economy; (3) establish a a corporate average fuel economy credit transferring program within a manufacturer's fleet; (4) establish an account to fund domestic commercialization and production of advanced technology vehicles and vehicle components; and (5) extend for 10 years provisions providing manufacturing incentives for alternative fuel automobiles. Establishes a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program. Provides for the establishment of a public education campaign to provide information to U.S. drivers about immediate measures that may be taken to conserve transportation fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2007
Honors the life and accomplishments of Tom Lea (a renowned artist and war artist correspondent for Life magazine during World War II) on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
National Environment and Energy Development Act - Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Revokes all withdrawals of federal submerged lands from leasing for natural gas exploration and production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from: (1) granting a natural gas lease for any OCS located within 25 miles of a state coastline; or (2) issuing any lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area located within 50 miles of a state coastline unless the state has enacted a law approving such lease. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing a lease for natural gas exploration or development in any OCS area located more than 50 miles and less than 100 miles from the coastline of a state if the state has enacted a law disapproving such lease issuance. Sets forth an allocation schedule (including designated reserve accounts) for revenues derived from bonus bids and royalties under qualified gas leases on submerged lands located within the seaward boundaries of a state. Modifies requirements for deeming state seaward boundaries. Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production of natural gas and associated condensate. Expresses the intent of Congress that this Act result in a healthy and growing American industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and service sector employing America's workforce to assist in the development of affordable energy from the OCS.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Quadrennial Foreign Affairs Review Act - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to submit every four years to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations a quadrennial foreign affairs and Department of State review; and (2) the Foreign Affairs Panel to submit to the Secretary a report responding to such review. Directs the Secretary to establish every four years a nonpartisan independent National Foreign Affairs Panel, which shall terminate 30 days after submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2007
Commends Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros for reaching 3,000 base hits as a Major League Baseball player and for his outstanding service to the community through his charitable work and dedication to the Houston Astros organization.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Public Servant Retirement Protection Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the current windfall elimination provision (WEP) (that reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who also have pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security) for individuals first performing non-covered service beginning one year after enactment of this Act. Establishes a new formula for the treatment of non-covered earnings in determining Social Security benefits. Applies such formula to individuals subject to the current WEP if the benefit under the new formula would be higher.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2007
Expresses the House of Representatives' belief respecting specified immigration-related steps that the Administration should take that will reduce illegal immigration and improve U.S. border security.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2007
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2007
NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), to mint and issue $50 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of $50 per $50 coin, and of $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $4 million to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties. Requires distribution of: (1) one-half of the next $1 million of the remaining amounts to the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (D.R.E.M.E.) Science Literacy Foundation and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence; and (2) the remainder to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007 - Repeals the general termination date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (i.e., December 31, 2010), thus making the tax reductions enacted by that Act permanent. Repeals the termination date for provisions of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 reducing income tax rates on dividends and capital gains. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the tax deduction for state and local sales taxes; (2) the tax deduction for tuition and related expenses; (3) the increased expensing allowance for small business assets and related provisions; and (4) the tax credit for increasing research activities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Committee on Ways and Means should report legislation on or before December 31, 2008, to simplify the federal income tax system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2007
United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2007 - Sets forth U.S. policy with respect to: (1) shifting the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the United Nations from an assessed to a voluntary basis; (2) reform of U.N. peacekeeping operations; and (3) Security Council expansion. Withholds nonvoluntary U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations: (1) unless the Secretary of State certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that 80% of the the total regular budget of the United Nations is apportioned on a voluntary basis; and (2) to a U.N. human rights treaty monitoring body or committee that was established by a convention or a covenant to which the United States is not party. Establishes the Office of the United States Inspector General for Contributions to the United Nations System. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of a U.S. contribution to any U.N. entity unless the entity has provided the Inspector General with a transparency certification and is in compliance with such certification. Directs the Secretary to audit and report to the appropriate congressional committees respecting duplicative entities and efforts related to Israeli-Palestinian issues. Withholds funds for such entities until any report recommendations are implemented. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations with respect to: (1) publication of all U.N. subsidiary bodies and their functions, budgets, staff, and contributions; (2) employee, agency, and funding financial disclosure; (3) waiver of immunity; (4) adoption of a definition of terrorism and a comprehensive convention on terrorism; (5) anti-Semitism at the United Nations; and (6) Israel's inclusion in the Western European and Others Group. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to: (1) establish an Office of Compliance in the Secretariat of the IAEA; and (2) prohibit Iran's access to nuclear material, technology, equipment, or assistance until the IAEA determines that Iran is providing full access to IAEA inspectors and has permanently ceased and dismantled all nuclear-enrichment and reprocessing activities. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding U.N. reforms and personnel. Limits annual U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Withholds U.S. contributions to the United Nations Human Rights Council until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the Council does not include a member state: (1) subject to Security Council sanctions; (2) under a Security Council-mandated investigation for human rights abuses; (3) subject, within the prior five years, to a country-specific resolution passed by the former U.N. Human Rights Commission; (4) which the Secretary has determined is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism; or (5) which the President has designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 South Getty Street in Uvalde, Texas, as the "Dolph S. Briscoe, Jr. Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007
Military Spouses Employment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include spouses of members of the Armed Forces on extended active duty (more than 90 days or for an indefinite period) as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit (thus giving employers a tax incentive for hiring military spouses). Repeals certain restrictions on disposals to foreign nations of naval vessels in excess of 3,000 tons or less than 20 years of age.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2007
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to a point of order against consideration of legislation reported by a committee (or a related amendment) which does not list congressional earmarks or limited tax or tariff benefits (and the name of the requesting Member), or a statement that the proposition contains none. Declares that, as disposition of such a point of order, the Chair shall put the question of consideration with respect to the measure, and it shall be debatable for 10 minutes by the Member initiating the point of order and for 10 minutes by an opponent. Declares further, however, that the question shall otherwise be decided without intervening motion except one that the House adjourn.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007
Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2007 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Allows the introduction of collateral source benefits and the amount paid to secure such benefits as evidence. Prohibits a provider of such benefits from recovering any amount from an award in a health care lawsuit involving injury or wrongful death. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Denies punitive damages in the case of products approved, cleared, or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or otherwise considered in compliance with FDA standards. Provides for periodic payments of future damages.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2007
Supports the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week. Encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with activities that promote licensed teenage drivers to drive safely.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2007
Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of home infusion therapy and home infusion drugs. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement the Medicare home infusion therapy benefit in a manner that ensures that: (1) Medicare beneficiaries have timely and appropriate access to infusion therapy in their homes; and (2) there is rapid and seamless coordination between drug coverage under Medicare part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) and home infusion therapy services coverage under Medicare part B (Supplemental Security Income).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
Border Law Enforcement Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to sheriff's offices and local and tribal police departments in jurisdictions within 25 miles of the U.S. southern border for: (1) law enforcement operations; (2) detention (including construction and operation of detention facilities) and transfer of illegal aliens to federal authorities; (3) enforcement of substance trafficking laws and other state and federal criminal laws; and (4) hiring, equipping, training, and overtime. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize state or local law enforcement agencies to exercise federal immigration law enforcement authority.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
Refinery Streamlined Permitting Act of 2007 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to offer assistance to enable states to assign responsibilities delegated to them regarding construction or expansion of a petroleum refining facility in a coordinated and expeditious manner. Requires all federal and state agencies, to which permitting responsibilities for petroleum refining facilities have been delegated, to enter into a memorandum of understanding about facility construction or expansion. Requires an agency to: (1) prepare and submit a Statement of Energy Effects to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, for each proposed significant energy action; and (2) publish such Statement, or a summary of it, in each related Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and in any resulting Final Rule.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2007
Revises federal coin design requirements for $1 coins honoring each of the Presidents of the United States. Transfers from the edge of such a coin to either the obverse or the reverse face the inscription "In God We Trust."
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2007
Social Security Number Non-Proliferation Act of 2007 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the sale, purchase, and display to the general public of an individual's Social Security account number without the individual's voluntary and written consent, with certain law enforcement, national security, public health, and other exceptions. Makes it unlawful, also, to obtain or use any individual's Social Security number for the purpose of: (1) locating or identifying the individual with the intent to physically injure or harm him or her; or (2) using the individual's identity for any illegal purpose. Makes it unlawful for any person to communicate to any agency or instrumentality of the United States or of any state or local government the Social Security account number of an individual, other than his or her own, without the individual's written permission, unless the number was requested by the agency or instrumentality. Prohibits displays of Social Security account numbers on cards or tags required for access to goods, services, or benefits, and displays on employee identification cards or tags. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2007
Calls upon the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to condemn the atrocities taking place in Darfur, Sudan, and end military and economic assistance to the government of Sudan until Sudan stops civilian attacks and engages in peace negotiations. Recognizes the close relationship between the PRC and Sudan and urges the PRC to use its political, international, and economic influence to stop the violence in Darfur, Sudan. Recognizes that the spirit of the Olympics, which is to bring together nations and people from all over the world in peace, is incompatible with actions supporting acts of genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 2007
Social Security Card Fortification Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prescribe requirements for an updated social security card, including security features to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the card for fraudulent purposes and use. Allows the Commissioner of Social Security to charge a reasonable fee to the recipient as a condition for issuance of a card. Authorizes the Commissioner, through a Memorandum of Understanding and a reimbursement of costs, to delegate to the Secretary of Homeland Security the process of meeting the requirements of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c001051_200.jpg)