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United States · Official source
4,473 records where Rep. Abercrombie, Neil [D-HI-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Recognizes the historical and religious significance of Diwali. Celebrates the rich cultural and religious diversity of the people of the United States and the freedom of religion guaranteed to all Americans. Conveys best wishes to its fellow Americans and to people around the world celebrating Diwali.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Community Restoration and Revitalization Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code relating to the building rehabilitation tax credit to: (1) allow an increased 30% credit for projects involving $7.5 million or less in rehabilitation expenditures; (2) allow rehabilitated buildings used for lodging to qualify for such credit; (3) establish a 50-year placed-in-service requirement for non-historic rehabilitated buildings; (4) allow such credit for certain tax-exempt use property; (5) provide for the transferability of such credit; (6) increase the energy efficiency tax credit allowed to rehabilitated buildings; and (7) exempt from taxation refunds attributable to state historic tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act - Establishes the Commission on Recognition of Indian Tribes. Sets forth procedures for an Indian group to submit letters of intent and a petition to the Commission requesting federal recognition as an Indian tribe (effectively transferring the federal recognition process from the Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA]to the Commission). Specifies the requirements of a petition for recognition. Requires the Commission upon receiving a petition to: (1) send acknowledgment of receipt in writing to the petitioner; and (2) conduct a review to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to be recognized as an Indian tribe. Authorizes the petitioner or any interested party to file a request for reconsideration with the Commission of a final determination with respect to a petition submitted under this Act. Requires the Commission to review all requests for reconsideration, as specified in this Act. Grants the Commission the authority to review determinations of a Commission panel. Makes an Indian tribe upon recognition by the Commission: (1) eligible for services and benefits from the federal government that are available to other federally recognized Indian tribes by virtue of their status as Indian tribes with a government-to-government relationship with the United States; (2) have responsibilities, obligations, privileges, and immunities of those Indian tribes; and (3) included on the list of federally recognized tribes under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994. Allows the recognition or restoration of Indian tribes by: (1) federal law; (2) the Commission; (3) reorganization under the Indian Reorganization Act or the Alaska Indian Reorganization Act; and (4) any final decision of a U.S. court. Applies the Indian Reorganization Act to all tribes recognized by the Commission, regardless as to whether they were under federal jurisdiction on June 18, 1934. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to Indian groups seeking federal recognition as Indian tribes to enable them to conduct research to substantiate, and prepare documentation necessary for submission of, documented petitions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Recognizes the Aldine Independent School District in Harris County, Texas, for winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education, the largest education award for school districts in this country. Congratulates the entire Aldine Independent School District community on its efforts to improve student achievement, particularly its efforts to reduce the achievement gaps among ethnic groups and between high- and low-income students.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Supports the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers, and haulers.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Health Data Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop and implement an ongoing and sustainable national strategy for identifying and evaluating the health status and health care needs of NHOPI (Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders) populations living in the continental United States, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and (2) conduct a preliminary health survey to identify the major regions of such areas in which NHOPI people reside, including data the Secretary determines to be useful in determining health status and health care needs or required for developing or implementing the national strategy. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on: (1) the standards and definitions of health care applied to health care systems in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U,S. Virgin Islands, Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands; (2) the status and performance of health care systems in such areas; (3) the effectiveness of donor aid in addressing health care needs and priorities in such areas; and (4) progress toward implementing recommendations of the Institute's Committee on Health Care Services in the United States-Associated Pacific Basin that are set forth in the 1998 report, "Pacific Partnerships for Health; Charting a New Course for the 21st Century."
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009
Recognizes the canonization of Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC., to sainthood and honors him for his legacy and his insistence on recognizing the human rights and dignity of every individual, particularly those who lived alongside him at the Hansen's disease settlement on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. .
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
Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia (Task Force) established by such Act, to: (1) establish and maintain a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program to develop a national strategy to address marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; (2) promote activities and an action strategy to implement such Program; (3) oversee the development and implementation of regional research and action plans for addressing marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; and (4) identify the appropriate regions and subregions to be addressed by such plans. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, to report on progress toward the attainment of the coastal goal of the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan released by the EPA on June 16, 2008. Directs the Task Force to complete and submit to Congress and the President an integrated assessment of hypoxia in the coastal and estuarine waters of the Pacific Northwest.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009
Recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a study of the advancement of Filipino Americans and as a time to renew efforts toward the examination of history and culture in order to provide an opportunity for all people in the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and their historic contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a national competitive grant program under which the Administrator shall provide financial assistance to: (1) expand the adoption of coastal, ocean, and watershed environmental education within mainstream educational systems and other appropriate media; (2) build administrative and technical capacity with coastal, ocean, and watershed communities and stakeholder groups to enhance their effectiveness; (3) encourage water-dependent and outdoor recreation, experiential learning, and hands-on involvement with coastal and watershed resources as a method of promoting stewardship of those resources; and (4) develop and implement new approaches to advance coastal, ocean, and watershed education and environmental literacy at national, regional, and local levels. Requires the Administrator to: (1) give priority, in awarding grants, to innovative, strategic, high-leverage projects that demonstrate strong potential for being sustained; and (2) publish guidelines regarding implementation of the grant program. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program, which shall be carried out through specified regional program offices; and (2) appoint a Regional Program Manager for each office. Authorizes the Administrator, in awarding grants under such Program, to give priority to projects that will: (1) promote bay-watershed education throughout the region; (2) advance strategic initiatives to incorporate bay-watershed education into education systems; (3) build capacity within bay-watershed education communities and stakeholder groups for expanding and strengthening their work; (4) build bay-watershed education into professional development or training activities for educators; and (5) broadly replicate existing, proven bay-watershed education programs. Requires NOAA's Office of Education to work with Regional Program Managers. .
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2009
Tribal Health Benefits Clarification Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an exclusion from gross income for certain medical care or benefits provided to American Indians, including: (1) certain health services or benefits provided or purchased by the Indian Health Service; (2) specified medical care provided by an Indian tribe or tribal organization to a member of an Indian tribe; (3) the value of accident or health plan coverage provided by an Indian tribe or tribal organization for medical care to a member of an Indian tribe; and (4) any other medical care provided by an Indian tribe that supplements, replaces, or substitutes for federal programs and services provided to Indian tribes or Indians.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009
Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in the McCarran-Ferguson Act shall be construed to permit health insurance issuers or issuers of medical malpractice insurance to engage in any form of price fixing, bid rigging, or market allocations in connection with providing health insurance coverage or coverage for medical malpractice claims or actions. Makes this Act nonapplicable to any information gathering and rate setting activities of any state commission of insurance or any other state regulatory entity with authority to set insurance rates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Children's Act for Responsible Employment of 2009 or the CARE Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to repeal certain exemptions from child labor prohibitions for agricultural employment. Applies such child labor prohibitions with respect to any employee under 18 employed in agriculture unless employed by a parent or a person standing in place of a parent on a farm owned or operated by such parent or person. Eliminates any waiver of such prohibitions for hand-harvesting of certain crops. Increases civil and establishes criminal penalties for child labor violations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to analyze data and report to Congress on work-related injuries to children and related matters. Requires employers to report on work-related serious injuries, illnesses, or deaths of agricultural employees under age 18. Directs the Secretary to revise federal child labor regulations to prohibit the employment of children under 18 in occupations that prohibit exposure to pesticides.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Respect for Marriage Act of 2009 - Amends the Defense of Marriage Act to repeal provisions allowing states, territories, possessions of the United States, or Indian tribes to give no effect to a public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other such entity respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under that entity's laws or a right or claim arising from such relationship. Amends the federal rules of construction added by such Act concerning the definitions of "marriage" and "spouse" to provide that, for purposes of any federal law in which marital status is a factor, an individual shall be considered married if that individual's marriage is valid in the state where the marriage was entered into or, in the case of a marriage entered into outside any state, if the marriage is valid in the place where entered into and the marriage could have been entered into in a state.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2009
Honors the life of Frank McCourt (author of "Angela's Ashes") for his many contributions to American literature, education, and culture.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Visitor Facility Authorization Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct a multipurpose visitor facility in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for the interpretation and public education and enjoyment of the marine environment within the boundaries of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act - Prohibits any unit of the regular Armed Forces from being deployed for Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is equal to or longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be equal to or longer than twice the period of the most recent previous deployment. Prohibits any unit of the reserves from being deployed for such Operations unless the period between the most recent previous deployment and a subsequent deployment is at least three times longer than the period of the most recent previous deployment. Expresses the sense of Congress that units of the reserves should not be mobilized continuously for more than one year, and that the optimal minimum period between such deployments should be five years. Provides exceptions from deployment requirements. Authorizes the President or chief of staff of the military department concerned to waive such requirements under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Bear Protection Act of 2009 - Prohibits any person from: (1) importing bear viscera into, or exporting it from, the United States; or (2) selling bear viscera, bartering, offering it for sale or barter, or purchasing, possessing, transporting, delivering, or receiving it in interstate or foreign commerce. Subjects persons who violate such prohibitions to specified penalties. Waives such prohibition for wildlife law enforcement purposes where a valid permit has been issued. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to continue discussions concerning trade in bear viscera with the appropriate representatives of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and with other representatives of countries that are not party to the Convention which are determined to be the leading importers, exporters, or consumers of such products, in order to establish coordinated efforts with such countries to protect bears. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect state regulation of bear population or to affect the lawful hunting of bears under state law.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Small Business Credit Card Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to cover any qualified small business as a consumer with respect to a credit card account under an open end credit plan (thereby extending credit card protections under such Act to small businesses). Defines "qualified small business" under the Act as any business concern having 50 or fewer employees, whether or not: (1) the credit card account is in the name of an individual or a business entity; and (2) any credit transaction involving such account is for business or personal purposes. Permits a qualified small business to elect to opt out of coverage by the Act. Exempts from coverage by the Act any credit transaction in which the total amount financed exceeds $50,000 (currently $25,000). Requires certain creditor disclosures before opening any account under an open end consumer credit plan for a qualified small business. Prohibits a creditor from: (1) discriminating against any business concern having 50 or fewer employees in connection with any credit card account under an open end credit plan; or (2) requiring any qualified small business to make an opt-out election as a condition for opening a credit card account, or for providing more advantageous terms for such an account.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a tax credit to develop and implement a wellness program that: (1) conducts health risk assessments for each program participant; (2) offers annually at least two preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; (3) offers annual counseling sessions and seminars on preventive health topics; and (4) includes as participants not less than 60% of an employer's full-time employees. Provides an additional tax credit for full-time employees who participate in their employer's qualified wellness program. Terminates such credits after 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Calls upon all people in the United States to: (1) observe, annually, a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need; and (2) continue to live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of unity, service, and compassion that was exhibited following the attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Promoting Lending to America's Small Businesses Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase the total permissible amount of member business loans by an insured credit union (excluding those made to nonprofit religious organizations) to a limit of 25% of the credit union's total assets. Increases from $50,000 to $250,000 the maximum total extensions of credit a borrower or associated member of an insured credit union may have before any extension of credit shall be considered a member business loan. Revises the prohibition against an increase in the total amount of member business loans by an undercapitalized insured credit union until it becomes adequately capitalized. Repeals the condition of becoming adequately capitalized, and requires only that the National Credit Union Administration Board approve the increase. Excludes from the definition of "member business loan" any extension of credit, meeting other specified criteria, that is made to a member for commercial, corporate, business, farm, or agricultural purposes in an underserved area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009
Honors the life of Jim Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator) and extends condolences to his family.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) high school students should spend at least one week in September of their senior year learning about the U.S. Constitution, as knowledge of this country's founding document is critical to being an effective citizen; and (2) upon reaching voting age, high school seniors should demonstrate their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship by petitioning the government on an issue of importance to them.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2009
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to treat American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as separate states for purposes of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax deduction for business meals and entertainment expenses from 50 to 75% of such expenses in calendar year 2009 and 80% in 2010 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009
Supports the right of the citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to access websites of their choosing and to have the freedom to share and publish information over the Internet. Calls on Vietnam to: (1) repeal Circular 07, Article 88, and similar statutes that restrict the Internet, so as to be in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory; (2) become a responsible member state of the international community by respecting individuals' freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of political association; and (3) release all political prisoners, including but not limited to 18 named bloggers and cyber activists.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009
Removing Impediments to Students Education Act of 2009 or the RISE Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods. Requires institutions of higher education to notify students who lost eligibility for such assistance due to a drug conviction and had not regained it prior to this Act's enactment that they are now eligible for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2009
Strengthen and Unite Communities with Civics Education and English Skills Act of 2009 - Amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (the Act) to allow state leadership activities grants to be used to provide technical assistance to faith and community-based organizations desiring grants under the Act. Directs the National Institute for Literacy to: (1) disseminate information regarding integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs; and (2) study the effectiveness of distance learning or self-study programs for English language learners. Makes integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs eligible for assistance under the Secretary of Education's national leadership activities program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to states for integrated English literacy, U.S. history, and civics education programs, with each state's grant amount tied to the size and growth of their recent immigrant population. Amends the Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace references to individuals of limited English proficiency with references to English language learners. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide: (1) tax credits to teachers of English language learners; (2) tax deductions for the expenses of becoming certified as such teachers; and (3) tax credits for employers' expenses in making adult education and literacy services available to their employees. Requires the Commissioner for Education Research of the National Center for Education Research to establish a national research and development center for adult education and literacy, or include adult education if a center for adult literacy has already been established. Establishes the Presidential Award for Business Leadership in Promoting United States Citizenship to be awarded to companies and other organizations that make extraordinary efforts in assisting their employees and members to learn English and increase their understanding of U.S. history and civics. Renames the Office of Citizenship within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security the Office of Citizenship and Immigrant Integration (the Office). Includes among its functions, furthering the integration of immigrants into this country. Permits the Office to accept donations in support of its activities. Authorizes the Chief of the Office to provide grants to states to: (1) form State New American Councils to develop and implement comprehensive immigrant introduction plans and disseminate information pertaining to effective English acquisition and civics education programs; and (2) award subgrants, through such Councils, to local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants into communities pursuant to such plans. Establishes a New Citizens Award program authorizing the President to present a medal to up to 10 new citizens per year who make an outstanding contribution to this country.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2009
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Pell Grant amount and tie future increases to increases in the Consumer Price Index, plus 1%. Increases funding for the College Access Challenge Grant program. Creates two new competitive grant programs that: (1) assist states, educational entities, and nonprofit organizations in implementing innovative programs that promote students' persistence in, and completion of, postsecondary education; and (2) assist states in developing information systems to track student progress in graduating and finding employment. Extends funding for grants to historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. Authorizes additional funding for Cooperative Education programs that provide students with alternating or parallel periods of study and employment. Alters title IV student aid need analyses, including by establishing an asset cap for need-based aid and excluding employee pension benefit plans from assets. Preserves the student aid eligibility of students convicted of possessing, rather than selling, controlled substances. Prohibits any new loans from being made or insured under the part B Federal Family Education Loan program after June 2010. Directs the Secretary of Education to award loan servicing contracts under the part D Direct Loan program to not-for-profit servicers that meet federal standards and agree to service such loans at competitive market rates. Makes graduate and professional students ineligible for subsidized Direct Stafford loans after June 2015. Establishes variable interest rates on Direct Loans made to undergraduate students after June 2012. Replaces the Perkins Loans program under part E, after June 2010, with a Direct Perkins Loans program under part D that provides loans that continue to carry a 5% interest rate, but have terms and conditions similar to those on Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loans. Requires the Secretary of Education to make: (1) grants to states and, through them, local educational agencies (LEAs) for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools; (2) grants to LEAs in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, on the basis of each LEA's share of school damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina or Rita; and (3) grants to states for the construction, modernization, renovation, or repair of community college facilities. Directs grantees to use specified portions of such funding for construction, modernization, renovation, or repair that meets certain environmental or energy standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council on Green, High-Performing Schools to provide the Secretary with advice on the academic, health, energy, and environmental impact of such schools and assistance in facilitating their creation. Requires the Secretary to award competitive: (1) Quality Pathways grants to states to implement quality initiatives that increase the number of disadvantaged children in high-quality early learning programs and improve program oversight; and (2) Development grants to states to develop the components of a standards-based early learning system that will allow them to compete for Quality Pathways grants. Establishes two new competitive grant programs for states and junior and community colleges to improve graduation rates and employment-related outcomes for junior and community college students through activities that: (1) facilitate the transfer of credits between schools; (2) enhance student support services; and (3) blend academics and job training in a manner that equips students for high-wage occupations in high-demand industries. Authorizes the Secretary to fund the creation of: (1) free high-quality online training, high school, and postsecondary courses; (2) a Learning and Earning Research Center to research and evaluate junior and community colleges; and (3) cooperative agreements among states to develop, implement, and expand junior and community college longitudinal data systems.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of certain residential leased-fee interests to a holder of the leasehold right if such holder is: (1) an association of apartment owners of a multi-family residential leasehold property; or (2) a cooperative housing corporation for a residential leasehold property. Terminates such exclusion after 2014.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009
Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to permit the establishment of Job Corps centers in outlying areas (U.S. territories).
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 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 Washington and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Commends the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team (Heavy) of the Washington 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 Washington Army and Air National Guard units and members for their exemplary service.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Supports the designation of National Job Corps Day.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco, California, as the "Lim Poon Lee Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Expresses sympathy to Falun Gong practitioners and their family members who have suffered persecution and even death because of adherence to their personal beliefs. Calls upon: (1) the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to cease its campaign against Falun Gong practitioners, including harassment activities within the United States; (2) the Secretary of State to ensure that officials of foreign embassies and consulates are not engaged in activities in the United States that are incompatible with their diplomatic status; and (3) the President and Members of Congress to mark the 10th anniversary of Chinese official repression of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009
Recognizes and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's entry into the union as the 50th state.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities to treat a corporation electing such tax as continuing to use a qualifying vessel in the U.S. foreign trade during any period of use in the U.S. domestic trade, thus eliminating the 30 day limitation on operating in U.S. domestic trade under current law.
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 · 24 June 2009
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act regarding: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) construction of new or additional facilities; (5) dress and grooming standards; and (6) provision of employee benefits to married vs. unmarried couples. Declares that, in this Act, "married" refers to a legal union between one man and one woman. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings, subject to exception, against the United States and the states.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2009 or the TRADE Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries to evaluate their economic, environmental, national security, health, safety, and other effects; and (2) report on them to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee (established by this Act), including analyses of specified aspects of each agreement and certain information about agreement parties, such as whether the country has a democratic form of government, respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment, unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) human rights; (3) environment and public safety; (4) food and product health and safety; (5) provision of services; (6) investment; (7) procurement; (8) intellectual property; (9) agriculture; (10) trade remedies and safeguards; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain processes for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 - Extends through 2010 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2009 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve Armed Forces. Provides for the: (1) recomputation of retired pay and adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect post-retirement service; (2) election to receive retired pay for non-regular service for service in an active reserve status performed after attaining eligibility for regular retirement; and (3) expansion of eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation to include certain disability retirees regardless of their disability rating percentage or years of service. Provides, with respect to federal employees: (1) credit for certain unused sick leave; (2) a limited expansion of the class of individuals eligible to receive an actuarially reduced annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS); (3) a computation of certain annuities based on part-time service; (4) the authority to deposit refunds under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS); and (5) retirement credit for certain employees transferred from District of Columbia service to federal service. Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance Act of 2009 or Non-Foreign AREA Act of 2009 - Revises federal employee locality-based comparability payments provisions to include U.S. territories and possessions, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, within a pay locality. Sets forth maximum rates of pay for Senior Executive Service (SES) personnel in such areas. Revises the calculation of allowances based on living costs and conditions of environment for pay of employees stationed outside the continental United States or in Alaska to apply it only to areas designated as of December 31, 2009. Provides a formula for adjustment of such rate using a transition schedule for calendar years 2010 and thereafter. Requires adjustment of special rates of pay determined to be necessary to obtain or retain the services of persons specified by statute in such a cost-of-living area in accordance with regulations to be prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under this Act. Allows a temporarily raised limitation on the amount of special rates during the transition period of January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2012. Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to pay disparities and locality areas for federal positions located in Alaska, Hawaii, or a U.S. territory. Allows an employee subject to this Act's transition schedule who retires from service during the period from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2012, to elect to have any COLA paid during that period considered as basic pay for purposes of annuity computation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions relating to the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Success in the Middle Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to states, based on their proportion of poor children aged 5 to 17, to: (1) implement state middle grades needs analyses and, on the basis of such analyses, improvement plans that describe what students must master to complete successfully the middle grades and succeed in academically rigorous high school coursework; and (2) award competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) or partnerships of LEAs and institutions of higher education, educational service agencies, or educational nonprofit organizations to implement a comprehensive middle school improvement plan for each eligible school. Favors LEAs, or partnerships that include LEAs, that serve high proportions of poor children and children attending eligible schools. Defines "eligible schools" as those where: (1) a high proportion of middle grade students matriculate to high schools with graduation rates below 65%; (2) more than 25% of the students who finish grade six, or the school's earliest middle grade level, exhibit key risk factors for failure; and (3) a majority of middle grade students are not rated proficient on required state assessments in mathematics, reading, or language arts. Permits states to make subgrants to LEAs and partnerships that did not receive a competitive subgrant to assist them in applying for competitive subgrants and developing comprehensive middle school improvement plans. Provides the Secretary with funding to: (1) contract for studies that identify promising practices for, and review existing research to identify factors that might lead to, the improvement of middle grades education; (2) create a national clearinghouse in best middle grade educational practices and a national database identifying factors that facilitate or impede middle grade student achievement; (3) require certain educational field research designed to enhance the performance of middle grade schools and students; (4) create a research and development center that addresses topics pertinent to the middle grades; and (5) provide grants to entities that partner with states and LEAs to develop, adapt, or replicate effective models for turning around low-performing middle grades.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009
Health Care Professional Pipeline Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make a grant to a qualified youth serving organization to establish and expand emergency preparedness pipelines consisting of: (1) health science curricula in secondary schools, institutions of higher education, and continuing education programs that prepare students for careers as future health care professionals; and (2) school-based emergency preparedness chapters to recruit and prepare students for public health emergencies. Defines a "qualified youth serving organization" as a nonprofit organization that prepares youth exclusively for career entry and advancement opportunities in the health professions, offers a national recognition and competitive events program in which students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in responding to public health emergencies, and operates at least 2,500 chapters in at least 40 states. Requires the Secretary to make a grant each year to such an organization to conduct a national leadership conference that includes representatives of health science programs, emergency preparedness chapters, and the Medical Reserve Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Urges: (1) the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to grant clemency to Laura Ling and Euna Lee and return them to the United States; and (2) other nations to encourage North Korea to free Ms. Ling and Ms. Lee. Supports efforts by President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and others to secure the release of the journalists.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to revise requirements for the audit capacity of voting systems, particularly those for a permanent paper record. Requires the voting system to require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted, and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical scanner or other counting device. Requires the voting system to provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any system-made error in the voter-verified paper ballot before it is permanently preserved. Requires each paper ballot used to be: (1) suitable for a manual audit; and (2) counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any federal election. Sets forth a special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make grants to eligible entities to study, test, and develop accessible ballot voting, verification, and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, for voters whose primary language is not English, and for voters with difficulties in literacy. Specifies additional voting system requirements and prohibitions. Requires the NSF Director to make grants to eligible entities to conduct research on the development of election-dedicated voting system software. Makes available additional funding to enable states to meet the costs of the requirements imposed by this Act. Provides for complaints to the Attorney General by persons aggrieved by violations of HAVA. Requires each state to administer audits of federal election results, without advance notice to the precincts selected, consisting of random hand counts of the voter-verified paper ballots. Makes an exception from this requirement for elections in which the winning candidate had no opponent or received 80% or more of the vote total. Prescribes requirements for determination of the number of ballots counted under the audit. Prescribes the process for administering audits. Requires the Election Auditor of a state, as soon as practicable after the completion of an audit, to submit the results to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for publication. Prohibits certification of the results of any election until completion of audits. Provides for payments to states for the costs of conducting audits. Exempts from this Act any election for which a recount under state law will commence before certification of the election results. Repeals the EAC's exemption from certain federal government contracting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009
U.S. Military Medals and Insignia Pride and Patriotism Act of 2009 - Prohibits a military exchange store or other nonappropriated fund instrumentality of DOD from purchasing for resale any military decorations, ribbons, badges, medals, insignia, or other military accoutrements not produced in the United States (Buy American requirement). Provides an exception when the Secretary determines that a satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of an item produced in the United States cannot be procured. Includes U.S. territories and possessions within the definition of "United States" for purposes of this Act.