United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
PBM Audit Reform and Transparency Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Internal Revenue Code, and part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a group health plan from entering into a contract with any pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to manage the prescription drug coverage provided under the plan, or to control the costs of such coverage, unless the PBM satisfies the following requirements. Requires the PBM to report at least annually to each plan, including regarding the PBM's payments to pharmacies, payments received by the PBM from plans and drug manufacturers, and information on generic drugs. Sets forth provisions governing the interaction between a PBM and pharmacies that contract with the PBM, including: (1) requiring the PBM to disclose reimbursement information; (2) requiring prompt payment for clean claims; (3) prohibiting the exclusion of qualified pharmacies from participation in a network; and (4) requiring a pharmacy owner to sign a contract with a PBM before assuming responsibility to participate in a network managed by the PBM. Prohibits a PBM from requiring or offering incentives to a beneficiary to fill a prescription at a pharmacy that the PBM has an ownership interest in or at a pharmacy with an ownership interest in the PBM. Sets forth requirements for PBM audits of a contract pharmacy, including requirements for prior written notice and an appeals process. Establishes limitations on a PBM seeking to sell, lease, or rent utilization or claims data that a PBM possesses as a result of a contract with a health plan, including requiring a PBM to: (1) provide prior notification of, and receive written approval from, the plan; and (2) provide an opportunity for covered individuals to opt-out of a sale, leasing, or renting of data related to such individual. Prohibits a PBM from directly contacting a covered individual without express written permission of the plan and the individual. Limits data sharing with PBM-owned pharmacies or pharmacies with ownership interests in the PBM. Applies the provisions of this Act to health insurance coverage offered in the individual market.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Medicare Access to Diabetes Supplies Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exempt from Medicare competitive acquisition programs blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies furnished by small retail community pharmacies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2010
Recognizes that trust in God is embedded into the fabric of this country's society and history. Rejects the notion that the laws and Constitution of this country require the exclusion of God from matters of government and public life. Reaffirms "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. Supports and encourages its display in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2010
Second Amendment Enforcement Act - Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, transporting for legitimate purposes, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Declares that nothing in such prohibitions shall be construed to prohibit the District from regulating the carrying of firearms by a person, either concealed or openly, other than at the person's dwelling place, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person. Amends the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 (FCRA) to repeal the definition of a machine gun as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily converted or restored to shoot semiautomatically, more than 12 shots without manual reloading. (Thus repeals the ban on semiautomatic weapons.) Redefines "machine gun" as any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically, more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. Includes also the frame or receiver of any such firearm, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a firearm into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. Repeals the District's: (1) registration requirement for possession of firearms; and (2) requirement that licensed firearms dealers keep records of ammunition received into inventory and ammunition sold or transferred. Maintains the current ban on the possession and control of a sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, or short-barreled rifle. Permits a licensed firearms dealer to sell or transfer ammunition, excluding restricted pistol bullets, to persons not otherwise prohibited from possessing or receiving ammunition. Declares that, in the case of a sale or transfer of a handgun to a District resident, a federally licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer of firearms in Maryland or Virginia shall be treated as a dealer licensed under this Act if: (1) the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the transfer; and (2) the sale, delivery, and receipt fully comply with the legal conditions of sale in both the District and the jurisdiction in which the transfer occurs. Amends FCRA to allow an individual to possess ammunition in the District if the individual owns (currently, holds the valid registration certificate for) a firearm of the same gauge or caliber as such ammunition. (In effect, repeals the handgun ammunition ban.) Repeals the requirement that firearms in the possession of individuals (other than law enforcement personnel) must be kept unloaded, disassembled, or with the trigger locked, unless the firearm is kept at an individual's place of business, or while being used for lawful recreational purposes within the District . Continues current criminal penalties for allowing access of a minor (under age 16) to loaded firearms, except in specified circumstances. Repeals increased penalties for violations of the prohibition against allowing access of a minor to loaded firearms if injury or death results to the minor or another person. Requires the U.S. attorney, however, to consider both the extent of the minor's injuries and the effect of the minor's injury or death on both of the minor's parents when deciding whether to file charges. Prohibits any prosecution in such circumstances unless the person who committed the violation behaved in a grossly negligent manner, or unless similarly egregious circumstances exist. Eliminates criminal penalties for possessing an unregistered firearm. Amends the District of Columbia Code to: (1) allow private persons or entities owning property in the District to prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms on their property (other than authorized law enforcement personnel or lessees occupying residential or business premises); (2) prohibit unauthorized carrying of rifles or shotguns in the District; (3) authorize certain individuals to carry firearms in certain places and for certain purposes; (4) prescribe requirements for lawful transportation of firearms; and (5) prohibit the use of toy and antique pistols to commit a violent or dangerous crime. Authorizes the District of Columbia to prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms (except to lessees occupying residential or business premises) within any building or structure under its control, or in any area of it, which has implemented security measures to identify and exclude unauthorized or hazardous persons or articles. Amends the Office of Administrative Hearings Establishment Act of 2001 to grant jurisdiction to the Office of Administrative Hearings to hear cases pertaining to denial or revocation of firearm dealer licenses. Repeals the Firearms Registration Amendment Act of 2008 and the Inoperable Pistol Amendment Act of 2008. Restores and revives any provision of law amended or repealed by such Acts as if such Acts had not been enacted into law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a provision (added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) that extends to corporations that are not tax-exempt the requirement to report payments of $600 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Supports the designation of National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day to honor those who are serving and have served in the Armed Forces in the noble and self-sacrificing profession of explosive ordnance disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) Democratic Members of the House should join its Republican Members in a total ban on earmarks for one year; (2) discretionary spending should be reduced in the concurrent budget resolution for FY2011 by the total amount that was spent on requests for earmarks in FY2010; (3) if spending in that resolution is not reduced by such amount, an amendment to that resolution to effectuate this change should be made in order; and (4) a complete review and overhaul of the congressional budgetary, spending, and earmark processes should be commenced by creating a bipartisan, bicameral committee to study the issue and report to the House and Senate with its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a Chief Veterinary Officer, who shall: (1) head the division of DHS with primary responsibility for veterinary issues, food defense, and agriculture security; and (2) have primary responsibility within DHS for responsibilities relating to veterinary medicine and veterinary public health. Requires that such Officer: (1) be a veterinarian who possesses a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of veterinary public health and emergency preparedness; (2) be appointed by the DHS Secretary; and (3) report directly to the Chief Medical Officer (or to the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs if the Assistant Secretary is not serving as Chief Medical Officer).
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the government of Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); and (2) the U.S. government should take a leading role in gaining international support for granting Taiwan observer status in the ICAO.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Broadband for First Responders Act of 2010 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to increase the electromagnetic spectrum allocation for public safety services by 10 megahertz and reduce such allocation for commercial use by the same amount. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to: (1) allocate the paired electromagnetic spectrum bands of 758-763 megahertz and 788-793 megahertz (referred to as D Block) for public safety broadband communications and assign such paired bands to public safety; (2) establish rules to permit a public safety broadband licensee to authorize public safety service providers to construct and operate a wireless public safety broadband network in the licensee's spectrum if such authorization would expedite public safety broadband communications; (3) require that any wireless public safety broadband network be fully interoperable, provide for user roaming, be disaster survivable, and have the appropriate level of cyber security; (4) establish regulations to authorize the shared use of the public safety broadband spectrum and network infrastructure by entities that are not defined as public safety services; (5) establish regulations to allow use of the public safety broadband spectrum by emergency response providers; and (6) develop a public safety agency statement of requirements that enables nationwide interoperability and roaming across any communications system using public safety broadband spectrum.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Day of Prayer is constitutional, a needed tribute to the value of prayer, and a fitting acknowledgment of our nation's religious history.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010 or the WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 to direct the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture respectively, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), to designate as "Tier I agents" those agents and toxins which have clear potential to be used effectively in a biological attack that causes significant casualties and for which the DHS Secretary has issued a Material Threat Determination, with exceptions. Amends the Homeland Security Act (HSA) to direct the DHS Secretary to establish enhanced biosecurity measures for persons that possess, use, or transfer Tier I agents. Amends the PHSA to direct the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the DHS Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture, to: (1) establish criteria defining characteristics, features, or equipment that could facilitate the misuse of a laboratory or other facility for purposes of developing a biological weapon; and (2) establish and maintain a list of biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal, or plant health but for which the potential to be used in a biological attack has not been established. Directs the HHS Secretary to: (1) maintain a national database that includes the locations of each laboratory or other facility required to be registered and related information; (2) conduct a comprehensive review of the list of biological agents and toxins under the PHSA; (3) award grants to academic and nonprofit organizations and to state, local, and tribal governments to implement security improvements at laboratories of such organizations and governments that possess, use, or transfer Tier I agents or toxins; and (4) promulgate regulations governing the distribution, synthesis, and handling of Variola virus DNA. Amends the PHSA to direct the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the DHS Secretary and the Postmaster General, to: (1) develop, coordinate, and maintain a National Medical Countermeasure Dispensing Strategy; and (2) expand existing pilot programs to utilize the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deliver medical countermeasures in an emergency. Amends the HSA to: (1) direct the DHS Secretary to establish a program to distribute medkits (a cache of antibiotics and other medical countermeasure to be used during a public health emergency) to emergency responders and their immediate family members or members of a preparedness organization; (2) require the HHS Secretary to conduct a pilot program to study the feasibility of providing personal medkits to the public; (3) establish in DHS a National Bioforensics Analysis Center; (4) direct the DHS Secretary to develop, coordinate, and maintain a national bioforensics strategy; and (5) direct the DHS Secretary to incorporate into each operational plan developed under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 a communications plan for informing the public regarding preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to imminent natural disasters, terrorist acts, and other man-made disasters. Directs the DHS Secretary to develop and disseminate integrated plume models to enable rapid response activities. Defines "plume model" as the assessment of the location and prediction of the spread of nuclear, radioactive, or chemical fallout and biological pathogens resulting form an explosion or release of nuclear, radioactive chemical, or biological substances. Requires: (1) the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to complete a global review of international biological security threats to the United States and to update the review at least biennially; and (2) the Secretary of State to provide technical and financial assistance to countries or regions identified by the mandated Threat Assessment and to produce and implement a plan for promoting international adherence to, and implementation of, international agreements regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Global Pathogen Surveillance Act of 2010 - Authorizes providing assistance to eligible developing countries that: (1) permit personnel from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases within their borders; and (2) provide pathogen surveillance data to the appropriate U.S. agencies and to international health organizations. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to eligible developing countries to purchase and maintain public health laboratory equipment and supplies and communications equipment and information technology to collect, analyze, and transmit public health information. Directs the Secretary of State to award fellowships to eligible nationals to pursue public health education or training and provide assistance for short training courses for public health personnel in laboratory techniques relating to the identification, diagnosis, and tracking of pathogens responsible for possible infectious disease outbreaks. Sets forth provisions regarding the assignment of public health personnel to U.S. missions and international organizations. Authorizes the HHS Secretary to establish new country or regional international Field Epidemiology Training Programs. Directs the President's Coordinator for the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism to submit to specified congressional committees an unclassified report, with classified annexes as necessary, on the findings and recommendations of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, regarding: (1) U.S. nuclear nonproliferation efforts; and (2) U.S. work with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to develop strategic plans for the energy development program under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires the DNI to develop, implement, and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy for improving: (1) U.S. capabilities for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence related to WMDs; and (2) the recruiting, training, and retention of individuals with expertise in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence related to WMDs and of employees of the intelligence community who possess critical language capabilities and cultural backgrounds. Requires: (1) the Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to establish an interdisciplinary capability to advise Congress concerning technology or technological applications developed or used for countering terrorism; and (2) the Comptroller General to conduct assessments of such technology or applications or proposed to be developed or used. Amends the HSA to direct the DHS Secretary: (1) in coordination with the Attorney General, to ensure that information concerning terrorist threats is available to the general public within the United States; and (2) to develop and disseminate guidelines for police, emergency medical services, emergency management, and public health personnel for responding to an explosion or release of nuclear, biological, radiological, or chemical material. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist state, local, and tribal governments in improving and promoting individual and community preparedness for disasters and terrorist acts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington. Honors Matthew C. Bowen, Darrin J. Hoines, Daniel J. Aldridge, Kathryn Powell, Lew Janz, and Donna Van Dreumel who died as a result of the fire.Offers best wishes to Matt Gumbel, who suffered severe burns and is recovering at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Supreme Court should uphold laws that allow the families and friends of fallen members of the Armed Forces to mourn their loved ones in peace and privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Honors the U.S. troops who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy (World War II). Recognizes the 66th anniversary of the D-day landings at Normandy, France. Expresses gratitude to the "greatest generation" of U.S. soldiers who fought fearlessly for freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Supports: (1) Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists that wish to infiltrate its borders and attack its citizens; and (2) Israel's plight to protect its borders with the construction of a security fence and checkpoints along the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Egypt. Recognizes: (1) the security fence's success in keeping out terrorists; and (2) Israel's efforts to combat international terrorism. Condemns the actions and rhetoric of Iranian leaders and terrorist organizations to terrorize Israel's people. Reaffirms the U.S.-Israel alliance.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2010
Recognizes the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel as a place of refuge and national homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms bipartisan support for the alliance and friendship between the governments and peoples of the United States and Israel, for Israel's security and right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state, and for its right to defend itself. Commends the people of Israel for their achievements in the face of adversity. Extends congratulations and best wishes to the people of Israel as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Israel's independence.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2010
Recognizes the achievements of the soldiers serving in the 10th Mountain Division, as well as citizen-soldiers of the Army Reserve and National Guard who have fought with the 10th Mountain Division during its 60-year history. Expresses gratitude to the family members of the 10th Mountain Division for their service and sacrifice. Commends the North Country (New York) community for their unwavering support of Fort Drum and the men and women serving in uniform. Offers heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 10th Mountain soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2010
Extends best wishes and prayers to the families, friends, and neighbors of the 168 people killed in the terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 19, 1995. Extends appreciation to the first responders, rescue workers, medical personnel, and volunteers who assisted the victims of the attack. Congratulates the people of Oklahoma City for their efforts to recover from the attack and pledges support for the goals and mission of the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Supports the goals and ideals of National Week of Hope.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Commends Lance Mackey on his record-breaking fourth consecutive Iditarod victory during the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Applauds each musher who was courageous enough to compete in the 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Expresses appreciation to all volunteers and staff who help make this Alaskan race possible every year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to restore application of the Clayton Act and other antitrust laws to insurers. Prohibits premium variation except by geographic premium rating area and by family enrollment. Requires each health benefits plan issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the individual or group market in a state to accept every employer and individual in the state that applies for such coverage. Places restrictions on federal funding of abortion, except in cases of certain physical conditions, rape, or incest. Limits a health benefits plan to selling health insurance coverage to U.S. citizens and lawful resident aliens. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for: (1) Medicare Advantage, with respect to the blended benchmark amount and elimination of the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund; (2) an increase in the physician fee schedule practice expense geographic adjustment; (3) establishment of a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option; and (4) pharmacy reimbursement. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise requirements for the importation of prescription drugs. Requires the registration of importers and exporters. Prescribes requirements for: (1) the disposition of certain drugs denied admission into the United States; (2) alternative identification of the chain of custody of certain prescription drugs, including through the use of standardized anti-counterfeiting or track-and-trace technologies; and (3) the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction from income for advertising and promotional expenses for prescription pharmaceuticals. Requires a pharmacy benefit manager with a contract with a health benefits plan to comply with fiduciary standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require any drug manufacturer with a rebate agreement concerning covered outpatient drugs to report to the HHS Secretary following a rebate period the total number of units used to calculate the monthly average manufacturer price for each covered outpatient drug.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010
Rural Energy Savings Program Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Rural Utilities Service, to make interest-free loans to eligible entities for loans to qualified consumers to implement energy efficiency measures. Directs the Secretary to make grants to such entities to defray related costs, including costs for equipment and labor. Directs the Secretary to contact with a qualified entity to provide: (1) verification and measurement activities for the Rural Utilities Service, including training; and (2) technical assistance and training for employees of eligible entities. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with eligible entities, or groups of eligible entities, that have specified energy efficiency programs for energy efficiency loan demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Military Spouses Employment Act - 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).
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 15, 2009, relating to the endangerment finding and the cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all people in the United States should participate in a moment of silence (on March 26, 2010, National Support Our Troops Day) to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. Armed Forces both at home and abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Commends the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2010
Commends Brittany and Robbie Bergquist (founders of Cell Phones for Soldiers), their family, and the thousands of volunteers who help members of the Armed Forces (members) keep in touch with their families through the use of recycled cell phones. Pledges continued support for members to maintain contact with their families and loved ones while serving in harm's way. Expresses appreciation for Cell Phones for Soldiers and other nonprofit entities that work selflessly to provide an affordable means for members to maintain such contact while serving overseas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Commends the personnel of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their efforts to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Recognizes the efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces, local first responders, U.S. public servants, and other members of Operation Unified Response for their actions to meet the needs of Haiti's citizens and government and facilitate the evacuation and medical attention of U.S. citizens impacted by the earthquake in Haiti.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Elizabeth A. Connelly Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Public Health Service Act, the Health Professions Education Partnership Act of 1968, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Act, Cooley's Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Genetic Diseases Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, and other federal enactments and regulations to change references to mental retardation to references to an intellectual disability.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Stopping Criminal Trials for Guantanamo Terrorists Act of 2010 - Prohibits funds made available to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from being used to prosecute an individual who was detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 22, 2009, in a criminal court in the United States or in any U.S. territory or possession.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Extends through 2013 eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for veterans who were retired or separated due to physical disability, regardless of their disability rating or years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Small Business Environmental Stewardship Assistance Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize for FY2011-FY2015 the national small business tree planting program (a program under which the Small Business Administration (SBA) makes grants to states for contracting with small businesses to plant trees on land owned or controlled by a state or local government).
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Detainee Transfer and Release Security Act of 2010 - Prohibits the President from releasing or transferring an individual currently detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of the individual's country of origin or to a third country unless the President certifies to Congress that: (1) such country is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism; (2) such country's government can secure and exercise control over all of its territory; (3) no portion of such country's territory serves as a safe haven for terrorists or insurgent groups, particularly al Qaeda; and (4) there is no confirmed case of any individual who had been detained at Guantanamo who reengaged in terrorist activities subsequent to being transferred or released to such country.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010
Expresses support for: (1) designation of a National Autism Awareness Month; and (2) devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism, identifying the best methods of early intervention and treatment, expanding programs for individuals with autism, and promoting understanding of their special needs. Commends parents and relatives for providing for the special needs of children with autism. Stresses the need to begin early intervention services. Recognizes: (1) the shortage of appropriately trained teachers to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students; and (2) the importance of worker training programs tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled persons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2010
Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents who are members deployed in support of a contingency operation. States that if a motion for change of custody of a child of such a member is filed while the member is so deployed, no court may enter an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child. Prohibits any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment, in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Protect the Lives of Americans Now through Enhanced Screening Act of 2010 or PLANES Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]), to: (1) study and report to Congress on the use and effectiveness of explosives detection technologies, including whole-body imaging technology, explosives trace detection technology, and explosives detection canine teams, for screening cargo, passenger checked and carry-on baggage, and air passengers on domestic and foreign aircraft; (2) submit to Congress an explosives detection technologies rapid deployment plan; and (3) ensure that each U.S. commercial service airport has at least one explosives detection canine team, and that a sufficient number of such teams be deployed to meet 100% of federal air cargo screening requirements for domestic and foreign passenger aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
Commends the University of Alabama for winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship. Recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, and support staff who were instrumental in the victory.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in Alabama. (Describes the Black Belt area as a region in the lower-central portion of Alabama that sustains an abundance of natural resources, historical sites, cultural diversity, and recreational activities shaped by its fertile black soil.) Designates the Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama as the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area, requires the Center to submit a management plan for the Heritage Area, and sets forth procedures for the approval or disapproval of such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize continued use of 2009 Medicare practice expense relative value units for certain cardiology services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract with an independent entity to study and report to Congress on the practice expense methodology used to determine relative value units under this Act to determine whether the cost finding, indirect cost allocation, scaling, and budget neutrality methodologies used: (1) are consistent with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) distribute the burden of any necessary budget neutrality adjustments proportionally among all physicians' services; and (3) result in allowances that accurately reflect the relative direct and indirect resources involved in the provision of various physicians' services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Condemns the gross abuses of the rights of Iranian citizens by the government of Islamic Republic of Iran and calls on the government to immediately honor its obligations under its own constitution and International Human Rights Laws. Supports the rights of Iranian citizens to peacefully protest. Urges the government of Iran to release all those peaceful protectors and opposition supporters it has detained, stop the harassment and violent acts against these Iranian citizens committed by security forces and the Basij militias, and bring to justice the government authorities responsible for such unlawful acts of violence.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_al_3_rogers_mike_200.jpg)