United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a five-year pilot program, in five rural states, under which the Secretary trains and then assigns a specific Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) case manager to each veteran diagnosed with traumatic brain injury who is receiving care in a VA facility in that state.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with respect to a state in the calculation for it of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), to substitute the state's average historical per capita income for a year in any instance for which the Secretary would use the state's per capita income for such year if: (1) in such year the state's per capita income exceeds the average historical per capita income by at least 8%; and (2) during such year or any of the two previous years a major disaster was declared in the state by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require all House Committees to post record votes on their web sites within 48 hours of such votes. Exempts record votes taken in executive sessions in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2009
Veterans Health Care Stamp Act - Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a veterans health care stamp to help fund the medical care and treatment of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Real Stimulus Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; or (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Directs the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to: (1) take all necessary steps to begin installation of cameras in room H-313 of the Capitol during the next recess lasting 10 calendar days or longer; (2) during the next such recess, begin and complete installation of such cameras; and (3) coordinate with the Chair of the Committee on Rules to provide for live broadcasting of the proceedings of such Committee on the Internet.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Recognizes the energy savings and innovations achieved by the United States Air Force. Honors the leadership of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base for their energy savings. Congratulates Tom Denslow, Danny Dobbs, Ron Miller, and Daniel Thatcher of the Department of the Air Force at that base and Steve Dumont of the Department's Air Combat Command for their efforts to reduce energy use and to make that base a model of efficient energy use.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009 - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with respect to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its specified related affiliates (covered organizations), to: (1) audit all assistance within HUD jurisdiction provided to ACORN at any time; (2) determine whether each such covered organization has used the assistance in accordance with all laws, regulations, and other terms and conditions; and (3) publish such determination in the Federal Register. Bars covered organizations from being approved, certified, or authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 or otherwise to provide housing counseling in connection with any HUD program or to receive HUD assistance for housing counseling activities unless and until the Inspector General has made a determination, pursuant to such audit, that all such recipients of the assistance have used all of it in accordance with its terms and conditions. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from providing any assistance within HUD jurisdiction for housing counseling activities to a covered organization unless and until the Inspector General has made such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee, within 24 hours after commencing a meeting to consider a measure or matter, to cause its text to be made publicly available in an electronic form. Requires a committee chair to do the same with an amendment to such measure or matter within 24 hours after adopting it. Amends Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to prohibit a committee report on a measure or matter from including recommended amendments after it was ordered reported, except technical and conforming changes authorized by the committee to correct section numbers, cross-references, punctuation, grammar, spelling, or to maintain mathematical consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) grave concerns exist concerning the ballistic missile deployment by the People's Republic of China (PRC) directed toward Taiwan which threatens security and stability in the Taiwan Strait; (2) the President of the United States should seek a renunciation from the PRC of any threat or use of force against Taiwan; and (3) Taiwan's future should be determined peacefully, free from coercion, and with the consent of Taiwan's people.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Recognizes Louisiana HonorAir for its 20 chartered flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial. Honors the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our nation. Supports the designation of a Louisiana HonorAir Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for Aged and Disabled) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age. Endorses the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan and encourages its implementation by federal, state, and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2009 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 90 session days or legislative days after such resolution is introduced, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth procedures of the House of Representatives and the Senate for joint resolutions: (1) approving major rules; and (2) disapproving nonmajor rules.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009
Recognizes the significant contributions of the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program to the U.S. Armed Forces. Honors retired Air Force MWD Ben C020 for his lifetime of service. Supports the adoption and care of these quality animals after such service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Ensuring the Future Physician Workforce Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the formula for calculating payments for physicians' services. Resets to 2009 the base year for application of the sustainable growth rate formula, which shall be eliminated in 2011. Amends SSA title XVIII to extend the current transitional bonus payments through 2011 at 3%. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a reporting system for quality measures relating to physicians' services that focus on disease-specific high cost conditions. Amends SSA title XI to create safe harbors to antikickback and civil and criminal penalties for provision of health information technology (HIT) and training services. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impact of such safe harbors. Amends SSA title XVIII to create an exception to the limitation on certain physician referrals for the provision of HIT and training services to health care professionals. Directs the Secretary to report annually to: (1) each physician information on the physician's total Medicare billings; and (2) each individual entitled to benefits under Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) and part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) on the amount of Medicare payments made to or on behalf of the individual during the year involved. Directs the Secretary to collect data on annual savings in expenditures in the Medicare program due to physicians' services that resulted in hospital or in-patient diversion. Requires the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to monitor and examine the extent to which the different funding mechanisms under Medicare parts A, B, and D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) provide an appropriate alignment with the program goals of the respective parts. Requires the Secretary to provide for a study of, and report to Congress on, health care disparities in high-risk health condition areas and minority communities with respect to the impact reporting requirements may have on physician penetration in such communities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the history and memory of the 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Trisomy 21 Translational Research Parity Act of 2009 or the 21 Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): (1) in coordination with the directors of specified national research institutes, to expand and intensify NIH programs with respect to translational research and related activities concerning Down syndrome; and (2) allocate specified funds among such institutes. Requires the Director to award grants and contracts for, and provide for the establishment of, at least six centers of excellence regarding such translational research to: (1) contribute to a comprehensive research portfolio for Down syndrome, provide an optimal venue and infrastructure for patient-oriented research, and conduct basic, clinical, and translational research on Down syndrome; (2) carry out a program to make individuals aware of opportunities to participate as subjects in research conducted by the centers; and (3) establish or expand training programs for medical and allied health clinicians and scientists in research relevant to Down syndrome. Requires the Director, in coordination of the National Down Syndrome Patient Registry and Biobank (Biobank), to provide for a program under which samples of tissues and genetic materials that are of use in research on Down syndrome are made available. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) establish the Down Syndrome Coordinating Committee to coordinate federal health programs relating to Down syndrome; (2) award grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on, and for epidemiological activities regarding, Down syndrome; (3) establish the Biobank and an advisory committee; and (4) enter into cooperative agreements to develop, implement, and manage Down Syndrome Centers of Excellence.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require personnel who perform or plan the technical component of either medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures for medical purposes to possess, effective January 1, 2013: (1) certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service provided from a certification organization designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS); or (2) state licensure or certification where such services and modalities are within the scope of practice as defined by the state for such profession and where the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration meet or exceed the standards established by the Secretary. Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum standards for personnel who perform, plan, evaluate, or verify patient dose for medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures; (2) establish a program for designating certification organizations after consideration of specified criteria; (3) provide a method for the recognition of individuals whose training or experience are determined to be equal to, or in excess of, those of a graduate of an accredited educational program in that specialty; and (4) approve and publish a list of accrediting bodies for such certification organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to develop alternative standards for rural or health professional shortage areas as appropriate to assure access to quality medical imaging. Amends the Social Security Act to allow Medicare payment for medical imaging and radiation therapy services furnished on or after January 1, 2013, only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets this Act's requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Urges Congress to work with health care providers and advocacy organizations to encourage awareness and education regarding Down syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009
Health Savings and Affordability Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax deduction from gross income for the cost of health insurance coverage for individual taxpayers, their spouses, and dependents; (2) permit holders of health savings accounts (HSAs) and their spouses who are age 55 or older to make additional (catch-up) contributions to a joint HSA; (3) increase the allowable amount of the tax deduction for contributions to HSAs; (4) combine individual and family deductibles under high deductible health insurance plans; (5) allow for increased rollovers from flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) into HSAs; (6) allow the payment of premiums from HSAs for high deductible health plans; and (7) treat as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and fees for physical fitness programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Expresses the gratitude of the House of Representatives to the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the state of Pennsylvania and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard on the completion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq. Recognizes that Team's achievements and all other formerly and presently deployed Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009
S Corporation ESOP Promotion and Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend to all domestic corporations, including S corporations, provisions allowing deferral of tax on gain from the sale of employer securities to an S corporation-sponsored employer stock ownership plan (ESOP); (2) allow a tax deduction for interest incurred on loans to S corporation-sponsored ESOPs for the purchase of employer securities; (3) transfer liability for payment of estate tax on transfers of employer securities to an S corporation-sponsored ESOP from the estate executor to the ESOP; and (4) allow an estate tax deduction for 50% of the proceeds from the sale of employer securities to an S corporation-sponsored ESOP. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish the S Corporation Employee Ownership Assistance Office to foster increased employee ownership of S corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Defund ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting any organization that: (1) has been indicted for a violation under any federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for election for public office or any law governing the administration of such an election, including a voter registration law; (2) had its state corporate charter terminated due to its failure to comply with federal or state lobbying disclosure requirements; (3) has filed a fraudulent form with any federal or state regulatory agency; or (4) employs, has under contract, or retains to act on its behalf any individual who has been indicted for a violation under federal or state law relating to an election for federal or state office. Identifies, specifically, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any affiliate as such an organization. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Healthy Savings Act of 2009 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to health savings accounts (HSAs) to allow: (1) spouses to make increased catch-up contributions to a single HSA; (2) Medicare Part A beneficiaries to establish and contribute to an HSA; (3) veterans eligible for service-connected disability benefits and individuals eligible for Indian health service assistance to establish an HSA; (4) HSAs to incorporate flexible spending and health reimbursement arrangements; (5) the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance; (6) payment of certain medical expenses incurred before the establishment of an HSA; and (7) payments from an HSA for prescription and over-the-counter drugs that aid in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Allows Medicare beneficiaries participating in a Medicare Advantage medical savings account (MSA) to exclude from gross income payments made to their MSAs. Treats as medical care for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses certain exercise equipment and physical fitness programs and certain nutritional and dietary supplements.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the prohibition against dealers in real property using the installment method for reporting income from an installment sale.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prohibit the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from updating a flood plain area or a flood risk zone in a geographic area that meets the following conditions: (1) the area is intended to be protected by a levee that the Army Corps of Engineers determines has a design deficiency; (2) the entity responsible for the repair of such levee has implemented a repair plan that has been developed by the Corps or a professional licensed engineer and approved by the Corps or FEMA, that is based on sufficient and reasonably current design data that accurately reflects the condition of such levee and other flood protection facilities in the area, that will provide protection from the 1% annual chance flood for the area, and that includes an adequate financing mechanism; and (3) each state or local government with jurisdiction over any portion of the geographic area has implemented a surveillance and operations plan to provide for timely alerts and immediate remedial action when significant underseepage or potential failure occurs, has an evacuation plan, and has implemented an outreach and communication plan to advise occupants of potential flood risks, the opportunity to purchase flood insurance, and the consequences of failure to purchase insurance. Exempts a geographic area if the Director: (1) determines that the area is protected by a system that provides protection from the 1% annual chance flood; or (2) has suspended the updating of flood plain areas or flood risk zones in such area in accordance with this Act for seven consecutive years.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Empowering Patients First Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified health insurance costs to residents of a state that implements a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to IMA members and their dependents. Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) require a state CHIP plan to specify how it will achieve coverage for 90% of targeted low-income children; and (2) prohibit CHIP payments for children with family income above 300% of the applicable poverty line. Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2009 - Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Requires a health insurance issuer to provide claims information, on request, to a plan, plan sponsor, or plan administrator. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Authorizes a state to establish a Health Plan and Provider Portal website to standardize information on health insurance plans available in the state. Revises the formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets forth provisions regarding students loans and loan repayment for health care professionals. Establishes discretionary spending limits for FY2010-FY2019 for new budget authority in the nondefense category. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals other provisions of such Act, including provisions providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Medicare Beneficiary Freedom to Choose Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) to revise requirements for the use of private contracts by Medicare beneficiaries under which no Medicare claims shall be made. Requires any such contract to be in writing and signed by the Medicare beneficiary. Allows individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance), and makes them eligible for health savings accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to extend through FY2012 (under current law, through FY2010) the requirement that the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information of the Department of Commerce make payments from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund for a grant program to assist public safety agencies in the the acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications equipment that utilizes reallocated public safety spectrum for radio communication. Allows the Assistant Secretary to extend, on a case-by-case basis, the period of performance for any investment approved under the program for a period not to exceed two years.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act - Amends the Judicial Code to prescribe the venue for cases involving non-bank financial institutions. Amends federal bankruptcy law to prescribe procedures for the adjustment of the debts of a non-bank financial institution. Establishes the Market Stability and Capital Adequacy Board (Board) to: (1) monitor the interactions of various sectors of the financial system; and (2) identify risks that could endanger the stability and soundness of the system. Establishes in the executive branch the Financial Institutions Regulator (FIR), comprising a Federal Banking Division and a State Banking Division, to exercise all powers, duties, and authorities formerly vested in the Comptroller of the Currency. Transfers to FIR all regulatory functions of: (1) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve Board); (2) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS); and (3) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regarding state non-member banks. Abolishes the OTS and the Office (and position) of Comptroller of the Currency. Moves the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) within the FIR. Establishes within the FIR an Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). Directs the Comptroller General to complete and report to Congress on the audit of the Federal Reserve Board and the federal reserve banks. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to instruct the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to: (1) establish and implement an explicit numerical definition of the term "price stability"; and (2) maintain a monetary policy that effectively promotes long-term price stability. Revises requirements with respect to the emergency powers of the Federal Reserve Board. Government-Sponsored Enterprises Free Market Reform Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to terminate the conservatorship of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), also known as government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), if at the end of a specified period the GSE is financially viable. Requires the Director, if a GSE is not financially viable, to appoint the FHFA as receiver for it. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to restrict the mortgage assets of a GSE upon its emergence from conservatorship. Requires the FHFA Director to revise minimum capital levels for the GSEs. Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to repeal temporary increases to conforming loan limits for the GSEs. Establishes new conforming loan limits for the year in which the conservatorships expire. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to subject the GSEs to state and local taxes. Directs the FHFA Director to establish and collect assessments from each GSE to recoup the costs for the federal guarantee. Requires: (1) periodic renewals of GSE charters; and (2) wind down and dissolution in the event of non-renewal. Repeals security credit rating requirements in designated federal laws and federal regulations, including: (1) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (2) the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965. Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to: (1) authorize the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to impose civil penalties in cease and desist proceedings; and (2) provide for nationwide service of subpoenas. Authorizes appropriations for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to revise conditions under which a civil penalty obtained for violations of securities laws shall become part of a disgorgement fund for the benefit of the victims of such violation. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the SEC to contract for the collection of delinquent judgments and orders.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Federal Employee Accountability Act of 2009 - Repeals provisions: (1) authorizing a federal employee representing an exclusive representative in the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement official time for such purpose during the time such employee otherwise would be in a duty status; and (2) requiring the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine whether any employee participating for, or on behalf of, a labor organization in any phase of proceedings before it shall be authorized official time for that purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2009
Czar Accountability and Reform (CZAR) Act of 2009 - Prohibits appropriated funds from being used to pay salaries or expenses of any task force, council, or similar office established by or at the direction of the President, if the head of such entity: (1) is appointed (on other than an interim basis) without the Senate's advice and consent; (2) is excepted from the competitive service by reason of the confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character of the position; and (3) performs or delegates functions that would otherwise be performed or delegated by an individual appointed by the President with the Senate's advice and consent.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2009
Health Care Choice Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state. Specifies the notice that an issuer must provide in any insurance coverage offered in a secondary state and at renewal of the policy. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to the insurance commissioners of such states: (1) a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study; (2) written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (3) a quarterly financial statement. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers. Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effect of this Act on specified health insurance issues.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2009
Improving Health Care for All Americans Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the amount paid by the taxpayer for qualified health insurance coverage, excluding any employer subsidized coverage, and for medical care. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs) to make available health benefits coverage to all members of the IMA. Requires an IMA to be operated under the direction of an association which: (1) has been actively in existence for at least five years; (2) has been formed and maintained in good faith for purposes other than obtaining insurance; and (3) does not condition membership in the association on any health status-related factor relating to an individual. Prohibits an IMA from offering health benefits coverage to a member of an IMA unless the same coverage is offered to all members of the IMA. Sets forth requirements for health benefits coverage offered through an IMA, including that such coverage must be: (1) provided only through contracts with health insurance issuers with no risk assumed by the IMAs; and (2) underwritten by a health insurance issuer that is licensed and in compliance with state law. Supersedes specified state laws related to health benefits coverage made available through an IMA. Gives funds to states for a high-risk pool, a reinsurance pool, or other risk-adjustment mechanism used for the purpose of subsidizing the purchase of health insurance coverage for the high-risk population.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2009
Recognizes Turkey as one of the most important U.S. strategic partners. Commends the government and people of Turkey for strengthening democracy and becoming a source of regional stability. Expresses appreciation for Turkey's efforts to combat international terrorism. Congratulates the government and people of Turkey as they celebrate Republic Day.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Reducing Barack Obama's Unsustainable Deficit Act - Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available in division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Repeals subtitles B (Assistance for Vulnerable Individuals) and C (Economic Recovery Payments to Certain Individuals) of title II (the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act) and titles III (Premium Assistance for COBRA Benefits), IV (Medicare and Medicaid Health Information Technology; Miscellaneous Medicare Provisions), V (State Fiscal Relief), VI (Broadband Communications), and VII (Limits on Executive Compensation) of division B of ARRA. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate upon enactment of this Act (currently, December 31, 2009) the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the program to guarantee troubled assets originated or issued before March 14, 2008, including mortgage-backed securities. Repeals the authorization for a two-year extension of such authority if the Secretary submits a specified certification to Congress. Requires the Secretary, each time a financial institution makes a TARP repayment, to transfer such repayments to the special account established in the Treasury for reducing public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Urges Members of Congress who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government run health insurance option to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Declares that, during the 18 months following enactment of this Act, the Home Valuation Code of Conduct announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on December 23, 2008, shall have no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Expresses: (1) concern over the threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and related delivery systems in the hands of states that sponsor terrorism, such as Iran; and (2) support for the deployment of U.S. missile defense assets in Europe that will provide a defense of the United States and our European allies from the growing missile threat posed by rogue regimes. Urges the President to expedite the deployment of components of an operational U.S. ground-based missile defense system in Europe. Requests the President to report annually to Congress on steps taken to move forward with such deployment. States that the United States shall continue its support for the missile defense of key allies against attacks by rogue regimes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Eminent Domain Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the conversion of property by reason of eminent domain.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/115_rp_tx_32_sessions_pete_200.jpg)