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![Official portrait of Rep. Bean, Melissa L. [D-IL-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001253_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
600 records where Rep. Bean, Melissa L. [D-IL-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2010
Congratulates Gerda Weissmann Klein on being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2010
Small Business Clean Energy Financing Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a program to guarantee loans of small businesses that manufacture a clean energy technology in the United States. Requires the Administrator, to the extent practicable, to carry out the program in a manner similar to the SBA 7(a) general business loan program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Recognizes that every child in foster care deserves a permanent and loving family and the significant commitment of taxpayers to support adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2010
Recognizes that National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of the six days specified by law as a day on which the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over specified federal facilities and national cemeteries, military installations, and post offices. Extends the gratitude of the House of Representatives and the nation to those who have served the United States in captivity to hostile forces as prisoners of war. Recognizes and honors the more than 84,000 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for and their families. Recognizes the untiring efforts of national POW/MIA organizations in ensuring that America never forgets the contribution of the nation's prisoners of war and unaccounted for military personnel. Applauds the personnel of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Armed Forces Identification Laboratory, the Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory, and the military departments for continuing their mission of achieving the fullest possible accounting of all Americans unaccounted for as a result of the previous conflicts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2010
Supports the goals and purpose of Gold Star Mothers Day, a day observed in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by mothers who lose a son or daughter serving in the Armed Forces.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the passage of the legislation that created real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the enhanced opportunities for investment and retirement security that have been afforded to Americans as a result of this landmark legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Social Security Identity Defense Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain disclosures to the holder of a social security account number and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if the Secretary determines that there is a substantial likelihood that there has been a fraudulent use of such account number in the employment context. Authorizes the FBI Director to disclose information received from the Secretary to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, but restricts the use of such information to carrying out criminal investigations or prosecutions. Requires employers who have been notified of suspected misuse of an employee's social security account number to cease including such account number on statements provided to such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2010
Congratulates the Saratoga Race Course as it celebrates its 142nd season. Recognizes its important place in horse racing history.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Recognizes the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to identify and address the remaining barriers that undermine the nation's goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for Americans with disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2010
Expresses support for the observance of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month to enhance thyroid cancer awareness and encourage early detection. Recognizes the work of national and community thyroid cancer organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Congratulates the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010 - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA) to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to transmit, within 45 days of a congressional session after the enactment of the funding in question, a message to Congress with specified information requesting any rescission the President proposes under the procedures in this Act. Prescribes requirements for timing and packaging of rescission requests. Authorizes OMB, subject to a specified time limit, to withhold funding from obligation temporarily if the President proposes a rescission. Prohibits the President from invoking such expedited procedures or such authority to withhold funding on more than one occasion for any Act providing funding. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of proposed rescissions. States that, if budget authority or funding is rescinded under the ICA, the amount so rescinded shall revert to the fund whence it came (general fund, trust fund, special fund, revolving fund, and so on as applicable), except to the extent legislation specifies otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 2010
Building Star Energy Efficiency Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Building Star Energy Efficiency Rebate Program of 2010. Directs the Secretary of Energy to issue rebates to building owners to offset a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying equipment or materials or undertaking qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings and multifamily residential buildings. Prescribes rebates for the purchase and installation of qualifying: (1) insulation, windows, and qualified high-efficiency window films and screens; (2) new energy efficient equipment, such as boilers, furnaces, and water heaters; (3) unitary air conditioners and unitary heat pumps; (4) variable speed drives for motors; and (5) interior lighting. Prescribes calculations for reductions in: (1) installed lighting power resulting from installation of qualified interior lighting; and (2) annual energy usage resulting from installation of qualified exterior lighting. Prescribes calculations also for rebates for qualified: (1) replacement chillers; (2) qualifying services to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings; (3) energy-efficient building operation and maintenance training; (4) service on space heating equipment and cooling systems, (5) energy monitoring and management systems with analog controls; and (6) HVAC testing, balancing, and duct sealing. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a Building Star Energy Efficiency Loan Program to make grants to states to support financial assistance provided by qualified program delivery entities for making energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to existing buildings that qualify under the Building Star energy retrofit program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary to make guarantees for energy efficiency projects, including projects to retrofit residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities, and equipment; and (2) authorize the Secretary, in the case of programs that finance such retrofitting, to offer loan guarantees for portfolios of debt obligations, and to purchase or make commitments to purchase portfolios of debt obligations. Prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements for work conducted using rebates or financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service of members of the 111th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard (111th). Honors and thanks all members of the 111th, past and present, for their tremendous contributions to the defense and security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2010
Applauds the people of Serbia for their commitment to democracy, free markets, tolerance, and the rule of law. Urges the European Council to adopt a clear position on Serbia's qualifications as a candidate country. Recognizes Serbia's cooperation with the United States on issues such as democratization, anti-drug trafficking, anti-terrorism, human rights, regional cooperation, and trade. Urges the government of Serbia to intensify efforts to capture and transfer at-large indictees Goran Hadzic and Ratko Mladic to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2010
Small Business Asset Investment and Modernization (AIM) Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 concerning the 504 program (Small Business Administration [SBA] financings to small businesses through certified development companies) to increase maximum program loan amounts. Authorizes the Administrator of the SBA, from the date of enactment of this Act through FY2012, to approve under such program the refinancing of indebtedness that is secured by a lien on commercial real estate or equipment of a small business, under specified terms and conditions. Limits to $7.5 billion the total amount of such financing in a fiscal year. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to carry out such program, to make personnel appointments of at least one year and not more than six years. Allows the Administrator to eliminate the pension offset for the reemployment of retired federal employees for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 - Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Lending Fund, administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) the Small Business Lending Fund Program; and (2) a program to allocate federal funds to participating states to expand credit availability to small businesses. Makes the Fund available to the Secretary to purchase up to $30 billion in preferred stock and other financial instruments (capital investments) from eligible depository institutions, bank holding companies, or savings and loan holding companies (eligible institutions) having total assets of $1 billion or less or of between $1 billion and $10 billion. Prohibits the Secretary from denying an application by an eligible institution for a capital investment under the Program solely on the basis of its composite rating under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent). Sets forth financial incentives for small business lending by such eligible institutions. Grants the Secretary additional authorities to implement this Act, taking into consideration: (1) increasing the availability of credit for small businesses; and (2) providing funding to eligible institutions that serve small businesses in low- and moderate-income, minority, and other underserved communities. Terminates the authority to make capital investments in eligible institutions one year after the date of enactment of this Act. States that: (1) the Program is established as separate and distinct from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA); and (2) an institution shall not be considered a TARP recipient by virtue of a capital investment under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2010
State Small Business Credit Initiative Act of 2010 - Establishes a seven-year State Small Business Credit Initiative (Initiative), administered by the Secretary of the Interior to allocate federal funds to participating states with capital access programs. Prescribes eligibility criteria for state capital access programs providing portfolio insurance for business loans. Requires the portfolio insurance to be based on a separate loan-loss reserve fund for each financial institution, with: (1) premiums paid by the financial institution lenders and by the business borrowers to the reserve fund to have their loans enrolled in it; and (2) state contributions to the reserve fund in amounts equal to such premium charges. Limits portfolio insurance to loans of up to $5 million to borrowers with 500 employees or fewer at the time that the loan is enrolled in the program. Requires the Secretary to approve for federal contributions any state capital access program meeting specified minimum requirements. Authorizes a participating state that establishes a new, or has an existing, eligible credit support program to apply for the Secretary's approval of a state other credit support program [ sic ] for federal contributions to, or for the account of, the state program. Requires a state other credit support program, among other eligibility criteria, to demonstrate that one dollar of public investment by the state program will cause and result in one dollar of new private credit, with a reasonable expectation that, when considered with all other state programs, they together have the ability to use new federal contributions to cause and result in amounts of new small business lending at least 10 times the new federal contribution amount. Requires such a program to extend credit support to borrowers with an average size of 500 or fewer employees, but in no event to borrowers with more than 750 employees. Requires such credit support to target loans with an average principal amount of $5 million or less, but in no event more than $20 million. Authorizes the reduction of federal allocations to the state or termination of further allocation transfers to the state upon its termination of participation in the program, or failure to submit timely and complete reports, or its noncompliance with the terms of the allocation agreement. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish minimum national standards for approved state programs; and (2) provide states with technical assistance for starting programs and generally disseminating best practices.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 405 West Second Street in Dixon, Illinois, as the "President Ronald W. Reagan Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2010
Recognizes the untimely and tragic loss of the 11 workers from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas who died on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Extends the deepest condolences of the nation to the families of these men. Recognizes all employees on the Deepwater Horizon for their hard work and sacrifice. Commends the rescue crews for their valiant efforts to rescue these workers and others on the platform. Honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the families of these people during this difficult time.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2010
Supports the designation of May as National Foster Care Month.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Girls Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine or five-year prison term, or both, on any U.S. citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence who knowingly transports in foreign commerce a girl under the age of 18 for the purposes of female genital mutilation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2010
Grow a Renewable Energy Economy Now--Jumpstart Other Biofuels Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investments in qualified cellulosic and algae-based biofuel facilities; (2) extend through 2016 the special depreciation allowance for qualified cellulosic biofuel plant property; (3) include algae-based biofuel within the definition of cellulosic biofuel for purposes of the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit; (4) exclude from the definition of cellulosic biofuel any processed fuel with an acid number greater than 25; (5) extend through 2016 the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit; and (6) allow a direct payment of 30% of the basis of cellulosic and algae-based biofuel facility property.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2010
Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or maximum prison term of five years for anyone who knowingly sells or offers to sell an animal crush video in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain. States that this prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the selling or offering to sell videos that depict hunting. Defines "animal crush video" as any visual depiction of animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, or impaled that: (1) depicts actual conduct in which a living animal is tortured, maimed, or mutilated that violates any criminal prohibition on intentional cruelty under federal law or the law of the state in which the depiction is sold; and (2) taken as a whole, does not have religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2010
Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the dollar limitation on the tax deduction for interest on education loans and expand eligibility for such deduction by increasing the threshold for the phaseout of such deduction; (2) increase to $5,000 the maximum allowable contribution to a Coverdell education savings account; and (3) include qualified higher education expenses (i.e., books, supplies, room, board, and special needs services) as amounts excludable from gross income as a qualified scholarship. Exempts from the general terminating date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (i.e., December 31, 2010) provisions of that Act modifying education individual retirement accounts and expanding the tax deduction for student loan interest.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase criminal penalties for both felony and misdemeanor fraud under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid). Adds a new offense of distribution of two or more Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary identification numbers or billing privileges with the intent to defraud. Applies civil monetary penalties to: (1) conspiracy to make false statements or commit other specified offenses with respect to Medicare or Medicaid claims; and (2) knowing creation or use of false records or statements with respect to the transmission of money or property to a federal health care program. Extends the statute of limitations from six to 10 years after presentation of a claim. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to revise screening requirements. Amends SSA title XI, as amended by PPACA, to require the access to claims and payment data granted to Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General to include access to real time claims and payment data. Requires the HHS Inspector General to implement mechanisms for the sharing of information about suspected fraud relating to the federal health care programs under Medicare, Medicaid, and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) with other appropriate law enforcement officials. Directs the HHS Secretary to carry out a five-year pilot program that implements biometric technology to ensure that individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A or enrolled under Medicare part B are physically present at the time and place of receipt of certain items and services for which payment may be made. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on Medicare administrative contractors, including Recovery Audit Contractors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2010
College Savings Flexibility Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow, between 2010 and 2015, distributions from a qualified tuition program to pay for principal and interest owed on student loans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2010
Government Audit Reform Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) should follow the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled "Single Audit: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Single Audit Process and Oversight" (GAO-09-307R), issued March 13, 2009. Amends the Single Audit Act of 1984 to require the OMB Director (or a designee) to monitor and report annually to specified congressional committees and the Comptroller General on the risk, cost-benefit, efficiency, and effectiveness of the implementation of this Act by federal agencies by: (1) evaluating such implementation governmentwide; and (2) identifying additional guidance and resources necessary to improve such implementation, including revisions to regulations, best practices, and processes. Requires the OMB Director to designate an OMB office or another federal entity (oversight entity) to act on OMB's behalf in such monitoring and reporting. Requires the OMB Director (or a designated oversight entity) to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees and the Comptroller General on the process for the single audit and the program-specific audit to identify simplified alternatives for achieving the purposes of the Single Audit Act of 1984 and the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 for the audits of small recipients that also achieve the proper balance between risk and cost-effective accountability for small and large recipients. Requires the OMB Director to evaluate and report to specified congressional committees and the Comptroller General on the implementation of the recommendations made to it by the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency in the report entitled "Report on National Single Audit Sampling Project," dated June 2007. Establishes a deadline for OMB to designate such oversight entity.
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 · 19 March 2010
Commemorates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and honors the founder of Earth Day, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2010
Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010 - Requires the United States Postal Service to issue and sell, at a premium, a Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp. Requires proceeds from the sale of such stamp to be transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the operations of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Prohibits such proceeds from being taken into account in any decision relating to the level of appropriations or other federal funding to be furnished to the EPA or such Initiative. Requires the stamp to: (1) be made available to the public for at least five years; and (2) depict images of the five Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010
Spending Reduction Act of 2010 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to establish nonsecurity discretionary category spending limits (spending caps) for FY2011-FY2015. Defines "nonsecurity discretionary category" as all discretionary appropriations except budget accounts within major functional category (050) National Defense, (150) International Affairs, (700) Veterans Benefits and Services, and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within major functional category (270) Energy, and any appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Repeals the termination date for Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) enforcement mechanisms under such Act (thus making them permanent). Declares that, if for any fiscal year, legislation making appropriations for discretionary accounts includes a designation for emergency requirements, such measure may not be considered in either chamber as passed or agreed to unless by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Steve Goodman Post Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010
Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct and support research that utilizes human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of reproductive treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) it was determined through consultation with the individuals seeking reproductive treatment that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking reproductive treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Secretary to maintain, review every three years, and update as scientifically warranted, guidelines applicable to the conduct or support of human stem cell research by HHS. Prohibits the Secretary from using any funds for the conduct or support of human cloning. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include in its biennial report to Congress a summary of research activities on human stem cells.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010
Create Jobs by Expanding the R&D Tax Credit Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for increasing research activities in 2010 and 2011; (2) extend such tax credit through 2011; and (3) allow certain small business concerns to assign research tax credit amounts in 2010 and 2011.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010
Achievements of the GI Bill Gold Medal Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a single gold medal in honor of the recipients of assistance under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights), in recognition of their great contributions in both their military and civilian life, and the contributions of Harry W. Colmery in initiating actions which led to the enactment of that Act. Requires the medal, following its award, to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. Expresses the sense of Congress that the medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations selected by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DOD), or Education.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should promote policies related to the nation's manufacturing sector that, among other things: (1) create sustainable economic growth and increased employment; (2) recruit, improve, and educate the workforce; (3) increase productivity, exports, and global competitiveness; and (4) maintain and improve national and homeland security. Directs the President, every four years, to: (1) conduct a comprehensive analysis of the nation's manufacturing sector; and (2) submit to Congress a National Manufacturing Strategy (Strategy). Requires the President, in developing each Strategy, to convene a Manufacturing Strategy Task Force to make recommendations regarding specified matters for incorporation into the Strategy, including short- and long-term goals for the manufacturing sector. Directs that: (1) each final Strategy be published on a public website; and (2) the first Strategy be issued by February 28, 2011. Directs the Comptroller General, three years after publication of a Strategy, to review its recommendations. Requires the President to convene a President's Manufacturing Strategy Board to provide information and recommendations regarding the needs of, and opportunities for, the nation's manufacturing sector. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) conduct quadrennial studies concerning U.S. manufacturing; and (2) report each study's results to Congress and the President. Provides for additional required and discretionary studies. Requires the President, in preparing each annual budget, to include information regarding that budget's consistency with the goals and recommendations included in the latest Strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010
Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act of 2010 - Requires any and all individuals or business entities, including physicians, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufactures, and insurance entities, that offer or furnish health care related items, products, services, or procedures for sale to the public to publicly disclose, on a continuous basis, all prices for such items, products, services, or procedures. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) investigate any individuals or business entities that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act; and (2) impose civil fines, or other civil penalties, as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and make available for sale not more than 2 million silver national medals, containing one ounce of silver each, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Declares that all sales of medals under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per medal, which shall be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima (World War II). Recognizes and commends the members of the U.S. Marine Corps and all other members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in such Battle for their service and sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude to those who gave their lives during such Battle in defense of the United States and freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Robocall Privacy Act of 2010 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine on any individual who knowingly makes or causes to be made a political robocall during a specified period prior to a general, special, run-off, or primary election, to any person between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. or to the same telephone number more than twice on the same day. Exempts calls in which there is a disclosure at the beginning of the call of the name of the sponsor or originator of the call and that the call is a recorded message. Defines "political robocall" as any outbound telephone call which plays a recorded message that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes a candidate for federal office and in which a person is not available to speak with the person answering the call.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010
Congratulates Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois, on its 150th anniversary. Commends its excellence in academics, athletics, and student quality of life. Expresses the House of Representatives' best wishes for the school's continued success.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Renewable Energy Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow taxpayers an election to receive a direct payment for investing in or producing specified energy property in lieu of existing energy tax credits; and (2) extend eligibility for such payments until January 1, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Express Loans Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends provisions of the Small Business Act relating to the Express Loan Program (Program) to: (1) increase (for a two-year period) from 50% to 75% the maximum percentage of Program loans that may be guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA); (2) make such percentage 60% after such two-year period; and (3) increase from $350,000 to $1 million the maximum Program loan amount. Directs the SBA Administrator to: (1) issue regulations with respect to Program loan and lender eligibility and collateral requirements that minimize federal risk of loss; and (2) report annually to the congressional small business committees describing Program implementation, including actions taken to reduce default rates.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
First Look for Primary Residence Act of 2010 - Requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (covered entities) to make certain single-family housing properties they own available for purchase, for a period of at least 15 days, only by a preferred purchaser. Defines preferred purchaser as: (1) an individual or family who indicates that upon purchase it will occupy the property as the principal residence for at least 90 days; or (2) a state or local governmental agency or other entity that purchases the property using funds made available through one or more specified housing programs. Prohibits the covered entities, during such period, from soliciting, receiving, considering, negotiating, or accepting any offer to purchase any such property except from a preferred purchaser. Requires the covered entities to notify real estate brokers and other interested parties in writing of such purchase availability.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Earmark Performance and Accountability Act of 2010 - Requires a state, a local government, a nonprofit organization, or a private entity (non-federal entity) to: (1) conduct an audit using an independent external auditor of any program, project, or activity it administers that is funded through an earmark; and (2) report to Congress about such audit, including whether the earmarked funds are being spent efficiently and effectively and whether the program, project, or activity is meeting any applicable stated purpose. States that such program, project, or activity is funded through an earmark if it is included on: (1) a list of congressional earmarks generated under the Rules of the House of Representatives; (2) a list of congressionally directed spending generated under the Standing Rules of the Senate; or (3) both such lists. Requires a federal agency that conducts an audit of any program, project, or activity it administers that is funded through an earmark to report to Congress on its results, including whether the earmarked funds are being spent efficiently and effectively and whether the program, project, or activity is meeting any applicable stated purpose. Requires each such report to be transmitted to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and GAO to make them publicly available on its website.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Expresses gratitude to the members of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001. Recognizes the citizen-soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard as invaluable to U.S. national security, vital to defending threats both foreign and domestic, and essential for responding to state and national emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Real Estate Revitalization Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to foreign investment in United States real property, to: (1) redefine "United States real property interest" to eliminate exclusions relating to interests in holding corporations; (2) treat distributions of real property interests by a real estate investment trusts (REIT) or a regulated investment company (RIC) as ordinary dividends; and (3) repeal the election allowed to foreign corporations to be treated as a domestic corporation for purposes of investment in a United States real property interest.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Shareholder Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit an issuer from making any expenditure for political activities in excess of $10,000 in any fiscal year without first obtaining the written affirmative authorization for such expenditure by a majority of all shareholders. Deems a violation of this requirement to be a breach of the fiduciary duty of the officers and directors who authorized such expenditure. Subjects to joint and several liability to any shareholder or class of shareholders for the amount of such expenditure the officers and directors who authorize it without prior shareholder authorization. Prohibits rules and guidelines established by any national securities exchange or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from considering as a routine corporate matter a decision to make a contribution or expenditure for political activities in excess of $10,000. Exempts from the shareholder prior approval requirement an issuer whose sole business is the publication or broadcasting of news, commentary, literature, music, entertainment, artistic expression, scientific, historical or academic works, or other forms of information. Directs the SEC to require issuers to disclose quarterly any expenditure for political activities made during the preceding quarter. Requires such report to be filed with the SEC, provided to shareholders, and be made publicly available through the SEC website.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Expresses: (1) condolences and sympathy for the horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti; and (2) solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the tragedy. Commends the assistance efforts of: (1) the people of the United States, including the Haitian-American community; and (2) the men and women of USNS Comfort and the U.S. Navy.