United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act - Repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act. Repeals the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of the Act's enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by the Act's health care provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Fairness in Firearm Testing Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars ATF from editing or erasing any such recording. Directs ATF to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item; and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which ATF has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) ATF has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available; or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) allow licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors (licensees) to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to a resident of a state other than the state in which the licensee is located or temporarily located if the licensee meets with the purchaser to complete the sale or delivery and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and (2) eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition: (1) between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state; or (2) by a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to an unlicensed person at a temporary location in any state. Amends definitions for federal firearms provisions to: (1) revise the definition of a "member of the Armed Forces on active duty" to include a resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence or in which the member maintains a place of abode from which he or she commutes each day to the permanent duty station; and (2) provide that an officer or employee of the United States (other than a member of the Armed Forces) stationed outside the United States for a period exceeding one year is a resident of the state in which the member maintains legal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Reclaiming Individual Liberty Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring individuals to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - States that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is a fundamental right. States that neither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served. Declares that no treaty may be adopted nor shall any source of international law be employed to supersede, modify, interpret, or apply to the rights guaranteed by this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider any legislation containing appropriations within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations if such measure also contains appropriations within the jurisdiction of any other subcommittee of that Committee (other than any measure making supplemental appropriations or continuing appropriations for a maximum 60-day period).
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 2010
Reaffirms that the House of Representatives: (1) supports a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic, Jewish state of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition; and (2) opposes any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians. Urges Palestinian leaders to: (1) cease efforts to circumvent the negotiation process, including efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations, within the United Nations, and in other international forums; and (2) resume direct negotiations with Israel. Supports the Administration's opposition to a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Calls upon the Administration to: (1) lead a diplomatic effort to persuade other nations to oppose a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and to oppose recognition of a Palestinian state by other nations, within the United Nations, and in other international forums prior to a final agreement between Israel and the Palestinians; and (2) affirm that the United States would deny recognition to any unilaterally declared Palestinian state and veto any resolution by the U.N. Security Council to establish or recognize a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated by the two parties.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2010
Congratulates Auburn University quarterback and College Park, Georgia, native Cameron Newton on winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy for being the most outstanding college football player in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2010
Securing Human Intelligence and Enforcing Lawful Dissemination Act or the SHIELD Act - Amends the federal criminal code to expand the prohibition against disclosure of classified information to include: (1) disclosures of classified information that benefit a transnational threat; and (2) any classified information concerning the human intelligence activities of the United States or any foreign government or concerning the identity of a classified source or informant of an element of the U.S. intelligence community. Defines "transnational threat" as: (1) any activity, including international terrorism, narcotics trafficking, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the delivery systems for such weapons, or organized crime, that threatens the national security of the United States; or (2) any individual or group that engages such activity.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Reaffirms the opposition of the House of Representatives to any attempt to establish a Palestinian state outside the negotiating process. Calls upon the Administration to oppose: (1) the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state; and (2) any attempt to seek recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Nations or other international forums and to veto any such U.N. Security Council resolution. Supports the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations between the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 2010
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Homebuyer Enhanced Fee Disclosure Act of 2010 - Deems a transfer fee covenant recorded on or after the date of the enactment of this Act as void and unenforceable unless, at the time the document containing the covenant is submitted for recording, a notice described in this Act is contemporaneously submitted for recording in the office of the applicable county recorder. Requires such notice to include statements containing owner names, a legal description of the affected property, amounts constituting the transfer fee to be paid, the method and manner of payment, dollar-cost examples in the case of residential property, and the date or circumstances under which the covenant expires (if applicable). Provides a presumption of validity of a transfer fee covenant that imposes a fee of not more than 1 percent of the gross sales price for the affected property, is effective for a term of not more than 99 years, and complies with the notice requirements of this Act. Defines a "transfer fee covenant" as a covenant, restriction, or agreement filed with the office of the applicable county recorder that: (1) affects real property; and (2) obligates a future buyer or seller of the affected real property (other than a person who is a party to such a document) to pay a fee, charge, or payment imposed by the document and required to be paid in connection with or as a result of a transfer of title to the property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the Persian Gulf War, which began on August 2, 1990. Honors the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and armed forces of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990 to the present. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities to pay tribute to Persian Gulf War veterans. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing such anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to peace and prosperity in the Persian Gulf region.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Recognizes the shootings that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, as a tragic event in the history of the Army and the United States. Extends the deepest sympathies of Congress to the families and friends of the shooting victims. Honors the civilian law enforcement personnel of the Department of Defense (DOD) for implementing their training to eliminate the threat promptly, thereby limiting additional loss of life or injury. Commends the Fort Hood command team for its timely response and situational control. Expresses gratitude to the Fort Hood communities, military personnel stationed at Fort Hood, military service organizations, and the American people for promptly extending comfort and assistance to the victims of the shootings and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law as a day on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Extends the gratitude of the House of Representatives and the nation to those who have served the United States in captivity to hostile forces as prisoners of war. Recognizes and honors the more than 84,000 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for and their families. Recognizes the untiring efforts of national POW/MIA organizations in ensuring that America never forgets the contribution of the nation's prisoners of war and unaccounted for military personnel. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Armed Forces Identification Laboratory, the Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for continuing their mission of achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans unaccounted for as a result of the previous conflicts of the United States.
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
Recognizes the service and sacrifice of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, and the 615th Contingency Response Wing civilians and families serving at Travis Air Force Base, California. Offers condolences to the families of the men and women of Team Travis who lost their lives defending the United States. Commends the actions of private citizens and organizations in the Travis Air Force Base community for their steadfast support of members of the Armed Forces and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Strengthening Our Share (S.O.S.) Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to revise and increase the allocations (planned sharing) with Gulf states of certain qualified outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenues due and payable to the United States from specified Gulf of Mexico leases. Repeals the limitation placed upon the amount of distributed qualified OCS revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Save U.S. Manufacturing and Jobs Act - Removes duty-free or other preferential treatment eligibility under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain imported sleeping bags.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Honors the members of the Armed Forces who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Extends gratitude to U.S. military and civilian personnel responsible for directing the implementation of the "surge strategy" and bringing security and stability to Iraq. Expresses a commitment to working with President Obama and the Administration to build on the military success in Iraq since the surge. Recognizes: (1) the importance of success in Iraq; and (2) that the President and the Administration have a responsibility to build a lasting strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010
Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to require congressional approval of the designation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan under the CLASS program (a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports). Sets forth procedures for such congressional approval by joint resolution. Prohibits an employer from enrolling an employee in the CLASS program without providing specified notice to the employee, which includes: (1) the significant risk of failure of such a program; (2) information on deficits that the program is expected to run; (3) a statement that there is no separate pool of money set aside to pay the CLASS program benefits; and (4) an explanation of the immediate termination of the program if it is reported to be actuarially unsound. Prohibits premiums from being collected before the Secretary has promulgated the required regulations in final form. Terminates such program if the report by the Board of Trustees of the CLASS Independence Fund indicates that the Fund is projected to be actuarially unsound over the 75-year period beginning with the fiscal year in which such report is submitted. Establishes a refund process.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the outbreak of the Gulf War. Honors the service and sacrifice of the armed forces of the United States and of allied countries that served in the Persian Gulf since 1990. Encourages all Americans to participate in commemorative activities. Calls upon the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that anniversary. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its alliance with Kuwait.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Recognizes the growing threat that al Qaeda and its affiliates in Africa, particularly al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, pose to the United States and its allies. Acknowledges the cooperation of a number of governments and regional organizations in Africa to deny safehaven to al Qaeda and its affiliates and calls upon all governments to intensify their efforts toward that end. Calls upon the Administration to formulate a comprehensive strategy, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders in the U.S. government and its African partners, to confront the threat posed by al Qaeda and its affiliates in Africa and prevent the spread of violent Islamist extremism.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2010
Recognizes the historic milestone of the 50th anniversary of the publication of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Honors Nelle Harper Lee for her outstanding achievement in the field of American literature in authoring "To Kill a Mockingbird."
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2010 - Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of State to provide for the preparation and dissemination of information intended primarily for foreign audiences abroad about the United States, including about its people, its history, and the federal government's policies, through press, publications, radio, motion pictures, the internet, and other information media, and through information centers and instructors. (Under current law such authority is restricted to information disseminated abroad, with a limited domestic exception.) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1986 and 1987 to prohibit Department of State funds from being used to influence public opinion or propagandizing in the United States. (Under current law such provision applies to the United States Information Agency [USIA].) States that such provision shall: (1) not prohibit the Department from responding to inquiries about its operations, policies, programs, or program material, or making such information available to members of the media, public, or Congress; (2) not be construed to prohibit the Department from engaging in any medium of information on a presumption that a U.S. domestic audience may be exposed to program material; and (3) apply only to the Department and to no other federal department or agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Honors the Patriot Guard Riders and the contributions of its members to the surviving wives and husbands, children, families, and communities of this nation's military who perished protecting their country and the freedom of those they left behind.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II. Honors the thousands of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Aerospace Week. Recognizes the contributions of the aerospace industry to the history, economy, security, and educational system of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Protecting Human Space Flight Act of 2010 - Requires amounts appropriated for FY2010 (or for prior fiscal years that remain available) to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the Constellation Program to be spent only to carry out such program, including through contracts and necessary support activities. Prohibits the termination or descoping of contracts for the Constellation Program. Requires NASA to spend at least 90% of all such funds by September 30, 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Counterterrorism Enhancement and Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2011. Prohibits: (1) the use of Department of Justice (DOJ) funds to prosecute an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 22, 2009, in a U.S. criminal court; and (2) the President from transferring or releasing an individual currently detained at Guantanamo to any state without the state's consent and the President's certification that the individual does not pose a security risk. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Directs the Secretary of DHS to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Expresses the sense of Congress that the House of Representatives and the Senate should fully implement the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States for creating a single, principal point of oversight and review for homeland security by amending House and Senate rules relating to committee jurisdiction. Amends the Rules of the House to direct the Speaker to consider the recommendations of the Commission for consolidating oversight and review of homeland security. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a strategy for gaining effective control of the international borders of the United States within five years. Requires the Secretary, for FY2011-FY2014, to maintain not fewer than 20,000 Border Patrol agents and sufficient support staff. Directs the Secretary, by June 30, 2011, to complete the exit portion of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology system (US-VISIT) required for aliens arriving in or departing from the United States at an airport or seaport. Provides for mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry. Authorizes the Secretary to establish permanent United States Secret Service international field offices to enhance cybersecurity and the Secret Service's ability to combat cyber crime and counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for FY2011. Requires establishment of an Aviation Security Advisory Committee within TSA. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a timely and fair process for individuals who believe they were delayed or prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft or denied a right, benefit, or privilege because they were wrongly identified as a threat when screened against any terrorist watchlist or database used by TSA; (2) an Office of Appeals and Redress in DHS; and (3) a Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office. Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to require establishment of a Transit Security Advisory Committee in TSA. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of canine teams certified by TSA for passenger rail and public transportation security activities. Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2010 or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations defining security sensitive materials. Prohibits a commercial motor vehicle operator licensed to operate in Mexico or Canada from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting a security sensitive material in commerce in the United States until the operator has been subjected to, and not disqualified as a result of, a security background records check by a federal agency. Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2011. Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish and operate one or more centers of Maritime Security. Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to check against available terrorist watchlists those suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at the land, air, and sea borders of the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify, and increase penalties for, alien smuggling offenses. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Protective Service (FPS) for FY2011. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct facility security assessments; and (2) develop minimum standards for training and annual recertification for FPS's contract guards. Grants the Secretary a right of entry to property for which security is provided by FPS. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct security inspections and verifications for such property; (2) require such properties to undergo unannounced security inspections; and (3) issue a list of items that are prohibited from being brought into FPS-protected facilities unless specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis. Requires the FPS Director to publish: (1) a list of qualified vendors and products that would promote common standards of deployment of personnel and technology; (2) standards for training personnel; and (3) best practices for utilizing items on the qualified products list. Extends the Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Program. Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs, to establish a voluntary chemical security training program and exercise program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office for Bombing Prevention with primary responsibility for enhancing the ability, and coordinating the efforts, of the United States to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States; and (2) develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. Establishes in DHS a Community Preparedness Division whose Director shall have primary responsibility for assisting the efforts of state, local, and tribal governments in preparing U.S. citizens for acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Establishes in the Division: (1) a Citizen Corps Program; (2) a Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (3) a Fire Corps Program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology for FY2011. Establishes a Test, Evaluation, and Standards Division. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to prepare a strategic plan for Directorate activities. Directs the Comptroller General to initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) conduct research and development to enhance the protection of the nation's agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks; and (2) produce risk assessments for biological and chemical threats. Directs the Secretary, through the Under Secretary, to establish a Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office for FY2011. Establishes the Commission on the Protection of Critical Electric and Electronic Infrastructures. Authorizes appropriations for the Securing the Cities Initiative (using next generation technology to detect the transport of nuclear and radiological material in urban areas). Requires the Secretary to delegate to specified Chief Operating Officers of DHS direct authority over their counterparts in component agencies to ensure that such component agencies adhere to the laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies for which each such Officer is responsible. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Acquisition Professional Career Program; and (2) a process for the review of proposed investments by DHS. Directs the Secretary to designate a full-time privacy official within each of specified components of DHS to have primary responsibility for implementing DHS privacy policy in each such component. Provides immunity for certain good faith reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and qualified immunity for response. Directs the Secretary, every three years, to issue a biodefense strategy. Provides for civil liability for disclosure of protected security information. Establishes in DHS a Chief Veterinary Officer who shall have primary responsibility for veterinary issues, food defense, and agriculture security.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of United States Military History Month. Encourages the President to issue a proclamation to emphasize the importance of such Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act - Terminates the moratorium on deepwater drilling set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010, and declares without force or effect any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) act expeditiously to ensure that deepwater drilling operations are conducted in compliance with federal law; and (2) identify additional measures to ensure the safety of deepwater drilling, based on the most accurate information available about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of Associated Builders and Contractors. Encourages Associated Builders and Contractors to continue its 60-year commitment to representing the merit shop construction industry.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
America Stands with Israel Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States: (1) supports Israel's right to defend itself; (2) supports Israel's naval blockade of Gaza; and (3) should oppose any investigation by the United Nations (U.N.) into the flotilla incident (involving the May 2010 Israeli interception of ships carrying supplies to Gaza). Requires the Secretary of State to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to cease U.S. participation in and membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Prohibits the Secretary from contributing any funds to the United Nations for an investigation into the flotilla incident. Directs the Secretary to ensure that no U.S. contributions to the United Nations are used for any such investigation, including by withholding from U.S. contributions to the regularly assessed biennial budget of the United Nations amounts equal to any amounts so expended.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Protecting Against Indebting our Descendants through Fully Offset Relief (PAID FOR) Temporary Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Extends the final date for entering a federal-state agreement under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through July 7, 2010. Postpones the termination of the program until December 11, 2010. Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act to extend until July 7, 2010: (1) federal-state agreements increasing regular unemployment compensation payments to individuals; and (2) requirements that federal payments to states cover 100% of EUC. Amends the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 to exempt weeks of unemployment between enactment of this Act and December 11, 2010, from the prohibition in the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 against federal matching payments to a state for the first week in an individual's eligibility period for which extended compensation or sharable regular compensation is paid if the state law provides for payment of regular compensation to an individual for his or her first week of otherwise compensable unemployment. (Thus allows temporary federal matching for the first week of extended benefits for states with no waiting period.) Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to extend through June 30, 2010, premium assistance for COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) benefits. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend through June 30, 2010, the 0% update to the conversion factor in the Medicare physican payment computation. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 to extend the use of 2009 poverty guidelines through June 30, 2010. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from publishing updated poverty guidelines for 2010 until after such date. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2010 to extend through June 30, 2010, the national flood insurance program. Amends the ARRA to extend through June 30, 2010, the small business loan guarantee program. Makes appropriations for the program as well as for the cost of certain loan guarantee fee reductions and eliminations. Rescinds pro rata the unobligated balance of each amount appropriated or made available under ARRA (except under title X: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of division A), so that the aggregate amount of such rescissions equals $13 billion to offset the net increase in spending resulting from this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2010 - Requires the seizure and forfeiture of an imported textile or apparel article for which a trade preference has been claimed in cases where the importer: (1) has either misdescribed or not verified the article's country of origin; or (2) provides false information as to his or her address or does not meet certain documentation or informational requirements upon entry of an article. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) or the Secretary of the Treasury to use amounts from fines, penalties, and forfeitures of articles due to violations of the U.S. customs laws to pay for expenses related to the investigation and enforcement of such violations. Authorizes also the use of such amounts to pay for a reward of the lesser of at least 20% of that amount or $20,000 to any person who furnishes information that leads to an arrest, conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of articles due to violations enforced by the Secretary. Directs the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure specified staffing of the Textile Operations Branch of the Textile and Apparel Policy and Programs (TAPP) division of the Office of International Trade within CBP and of the Textile/Apparel Policy Branch of TAPP. Requires the Commissioner to allocate, to the 15 largest U.S. ports of entry for textile or apparel articles, a certain number of Import Specialists trained in preventing textile or apparel importer fraud. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require certain documentation or information from an importer upon the entry of textile or apparel articles to include an affidavit with specified information that may be electronically filed with CBP. Prescribes additional bonding requirements for the importation of textile or apparel articles. Specifies producers, manufacturers, suppliers, sellers, importers, exporters subject to certain prohibitions against fraud, gross negligence, or negligence in the documentation of imported merchandise. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (who is now merely authorized) to publish in the Federal Register: (1) the names of persons located outside of the U.S. customs territories against whom the CBP has issued a penalty claim for violating U.S. customs laws; and (2) a list of high risk countries involved in the transshipment of textile or apparel products. Requires the President, acting through the CBP Commissioner and in coordination with the head of the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the Department of Commerce, to establish an electronic verification system for tracking textile or apparel articles imported or exported under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), or any other free trade agreement to which the United States is a party to ensure compliance with such agreements. Requires the President to establish a nonresident importer declaration program for the import of textile or apparel articles. Directs the Attorney General to establish within the Department of Justice (DOJ) the Office of Textile and Apparel Trade Enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2010
Congratulates Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Commends the 31 nations of the OECD, as well as OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria, for recognizing Israel's economic success as well as its commitment to the principles of democratic government and market economy by unanimously electing Israel to OECD membership. Recognizes the importance of the strong role played by the United States in Israel's successful bid for accession to membership in the OECD. Calls on responsible nations to support efforts by Israel to accede to membership or enhance its participation, as the case may be, in international forums.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2010
William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Army and the Navy to: (1) review the service records of certain Jewish-American World War I veterans to determine whether that veteran should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor; and (2) upon a positive determination, submit a recommendation to the President that the President make such award. Makes eligible for such review and award each Jewish-American World War I veteran: (1) who was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or other military decoration for service during World War I; or (2) whose name is submitted to either Secretary by the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America within one year after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2010
American Self-Defense Protection Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should not ratify, nor should the President submit for ratification, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); (2) the President and the Secretary of State should not undertake actions that could legitimize the ICC; (3) the President and the Secretary should lead a diplomatic effort to encourage additional countries to enter into agreements with the United States preventing the ICC from proceeding against U.S. personnel present in such countries; (4) the President and the Secretary should lead a diplomatic effort to defend the right to self-defense of the United States and other democracies, including Israel, against efforts such as the Goldstone Report that seek to deny democracies that very right via entities like the ICC; and (5) the President and the Secretary should explore alternative forums to combat impunity for war crimes and other atrocities while respecting the sovereignty and right to self-defense of democracies. Prohibits funds made available to any U.S. government, state, or local department, agency, or entity, including any court, from being used for U.S. participation in the ICC or its attendant activities, including any review conference or meeting of the Assembly of States Parties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2010
Condemns the illegal removal from the Mojave National Preserve of the Mojave Cross memorial and urges the National Park Service and federal law enforcement agencies to continue working with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to recover the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Children of Military Service Members Commemorative Lapel Pin Act - Requires a lapel button, to be known as the children of military service members commemorative lapel button, to be designed, as approved by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), to identify and recognize child dependents of members of the Armed Forces who serve on active duty for more than 30 days. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should expedite the design and manufacture of the button, as well as mechanisms to facilitate its issuance. Makes such button available retroactively to the child of any member satisfying such eligibility conditions before the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to notify members with qualifying service since September 11, 2001, of the availability of the button.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2010
Commends the National Rifle Association for developing the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to teach firearm safety to children and supports the goals and objectives of such program. Encourages: (1) educators to incorporate gun education programs in elementary school curricula; and (2) civic and community organizations to support funding for the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception to save the life of the mother. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the U.S. Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Declares that imposing a value-added tax (VAT) would be a massive tax increase that would cripple families on fixed income and only further push back the U.S. economic recovery and that the House of Representatives opposes a VAT.