United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011
Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), from January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2014, to provide for monthly payments, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), of up to 12 months of retraining assistance, except as specified, to certain veterans from 35 to 60 years of age applying by October 1, 2013, who: (1) were last discharged from Armed Forces active duty service with an honorable discharge, (2) have been unemployed for a designated period of time, and (3) are ineligible for specified veterans' benefit educational assistance. Sets forth the maximum number of eligible veterans who may participate in the program and the permitted forms of education and training. Revises guidelines for stationing Transition Assistance Program personnel to require the Secretary to contract with a private entity or entities to provide specified counseling, employment, and training services. Requires the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of the Transportation (DOT) to require participation of all Armed Forces members eligible for employment assistance and other transitional services unless a documented urgent operational requirement prevents attendance. Modifies the demonstration project on credentialing for Armed Forces active duty service members transitioning to civilian employment by requiring the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training to: (1) select at least 5 but not more than 10 (currently, at least 10) military occupational specialties, and (2) enter a contract with an appropriate entity representing a coalition of state governors to identify credentialing, certification, and licensing requirements incorporating the necessary skills for such specialties. Establishes a new period, ending on September 30, 2014, for carrying out the demonstration project and limits funding to $180,000 each fiscal year from specified sources. Creates a three-year pilot program requiring the Secretary to make grants and enter contracts for veterans employment and training services with any of the ten states with the highest unemployment rates in the nation. Prohibits full-time disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives from performing non-veteran related duties and services beyond the scope of their specified duties. Revises the definition of "benefit," "benefit of employment," and "rights and benefits" under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. Extends by five years certain automatically guaranteed loans to veterans purchasing stock or membership in a cooperative housing corporation entitling such veteran to occupy for dwelling purposes a single family residential unit in a development, project, or structure owned or leased by such corporation, in accordance with specified criteria. Extends: (1) various housing loan fees through specified closing periods on, after, or before October 1, 2021; (2) the temporary maximum home loan guaranty amount, as adjusted by the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, until December 31, 2014; and (3) appropriation authorizations for homeless veterans reintegration programs at existing levels through FY2016.
United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2011
Tax Credit to Hire Veterans Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2014 an increase in the amount of depreciable business assets that an eligible small business can expense (i.e., deduct in the same taxable year) if such business employs certain unemployed veterans. Defines "eligible small business" to mean a business entity whose gross receipts in the preceding taxable year did not exceed $5 million or that did not employ more than 500 full time employees.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2011
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 to authorize FY2012-FY2013 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for grants to domestic treatment centers for the costs of services provided in the rehabilitation of victims of torture (including treatment of the physical and psychological effects of torture), social and legal services, and research and training of health care providers outside of treatment centers or programs; and (2) the President for grants to foreign treatment centers and programs for activities designed to treat victims for the physical and psychological effects of torture. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress annually regarding: (1) Foreign Service officer training about torture victims, and (2) the percentage and number of torture victims who are approved for refugee entry into the United States. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide support for indigenous foreign treatment centers and programs for torture victims in order to increase such centers' capacities to train other local health care providers. Authorizes FY2012-FY2013 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011
WMD Prevention and Preparedness Act of 2011 - Requires: (1) the President to assign a member of the National Security Council to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Biodefense, who shall submit a National Biodefense Plan and publish a National Strategy for Biosurveillance; and (2) the Director of National Intelligence to develop and implement a National Intelligence Strategy for Countering the Threat from Weapons of Mass Destruction and a National Intelligence Strategy for Countering Biological Threats. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) conduct intelligence and information sharing activities; (2) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of terrorist actors, their claims, and their plans to conduct attacks against the nation involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials; and (3) support homeland security-focused intelligence analysis of global infectious disease, public health, food, agricultural, and veterinary issues. Directs: (1) the Secretary to produce and update periodically an assessment of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and an integrated risk assessment that ranks those threats according to relative risk; and (2) the Attorney General to periodically review and recommend updates to criminal laws to ensure that such laws are well suited to the evolving risks of misuse of life sciences by terrorists and others and that national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders at unique risk of exploitation have access to guidance regarding actions that can reduce that risk. Directs the Secretary to conduct: (1) homeland security investigations and enforce criminal violations of U.S. customs and export laws related to military items, controlled commodities, and sanctioned or embargoed countries or persons to prevent individuals, terrorist groups, foreign adversaries, and hostile nations from obtaining sensitive U.S. technology and munitions or components, precursors, and delivery systems for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons; and (2) certain industry outreach with manufacturers and exporters of strategic commodities that may be targeted for procurement by terrorist organizations and the countries that support them, as well as countries identified as weapons proliferators. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) develop a communications plan to provide information to the public related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack; and (2) develop and disseminate integrated public alerts and warnings system pre-scripted messages and message templates to be provided to state, local, and tribal authorities to rapidly disseminate critical information to the public in the event of such an attack. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that homeland security information concerning terrorist threats is provided to state, local, and tribal authorities and the public; (2) establish a process to optimize opportunities for qualified heads of state and local and tribal government entities to obtain appropriate security clearances so that they may receive classified threat information; and (3) prepare unclassified threat bulletins on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Requires the FEMA Administrator to assist state, local, and tribal authorities in improving and promoting individual and community preparedness and collective response to terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials, including by developing guidance and checklists of recommended actions for individual and community prevention and preparedness efforts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to detect a biological attack or event that poses a high risk to homeland security; (2) require the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to assess whether the development of technological screening capabilities for biological agents, pandemic influenza, and other infectious diseases should be undertaken by the Science and Technology Directorate to support entry and exit screening at ports of entry; and (3) establish procedures for the sharing of homeland security information, including laboratory biosecurity-related information. Requires the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to: (1) establish and maintain a multilayered system of detection technologies, programs, and guidelines designed to enhance the nation's ability to detect and prevent a radiological or nuclear attack in high-risk U.S. cities; and (2) develop a surge capability for radiological and nuclear detection systems that can be deployed within the United States rapidly in response to actionable intelligence or warnings. Requires such programs to be integrated into the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop for police, fire, emergency medical services, emergency management, medical, and public health personnel voluntary guidance for responding to a release of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material; (2) acquire, use, and disseminate the best available integrated plume models to enable rapid response activities following a chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological attack or event; and (3) carry out a program for system assessment and validation of emergency response equipment (SAVER Program) at DHS. Establishes the National Bioforensics Analysis Center to serve as the lead federal facility regarding bioforensic analysis and requirements for law enforcement, emergency response, national security, and homeland security. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make available to law enforcement, public health, emergency first responders, and security personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center training on recognizing and responding to situations involving potential biological threats, including performing joint criminal and epidemiological investigations; (2) conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program to assist state and local governments in preparing for and responding to public health and mass casualty incidents resulting from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and other man-made disasters; (3) conduct risk assessments to inform prioritization of national recovery activities for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents; (4) develop and issue guidance for cleanup and restoration of indoor and outdoor areas that have been exposed to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials; and (5) develop exercises that address analysis, indoor environmental cleanup methods, and decontamination standards. Directs the President to establish a Federal Experts Security Advisory Panel to make technical and substantive recommendations on biological agent and toxin security. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) periodically update a National Medical Countermeasure Dispensing Strategy to enhance preparedness and collective response to a terrorist attack with any chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear material; and (2) review the adequacy of domestic vaccination and antimicrobial dispensing policy, guidance, and information provided to the public in light of any known terrorist risk of a biological attack. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) support efforts in other countries to develop mechanisms and capabilities for reporting to United Nations organizations validated data on biological attacks; (2) establish and build capacity to effectively implement legislation criminalizing the development or use of biological weapons or acts of bioterrorism; (3) convene and lead an interagency task force on best practices for global biopreparedness; and (4) promote implementation of and compliance with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011
Authorizes the American Legion under its federal charter to provide guidance and leadership to the individual Departments and Posts. Prohibits it from controlling or otherwise influencing the specific activities and conduct of independent, autonomous Departments and Posts.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2011
Veterans' Benefits Training Improvement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) annually assess the skills of appropriate Veterans Benefits Administration employees and managers responsible for processing VA compensation and pension benefit claims; (2) implement individualized training plans related to such skills; (3) provide remediation for deficiently skilled employees or managers receiving a less than satisfactory result on any portion of the assessment; and (4) take appropriate disciplinary actions with respect to individuals failing to receive a satisfactory result after being given two opportunities for such remediation. Requires the Secretary to submit a related annual report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2011
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the "Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2011
Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor’s state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor’s abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor. Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion. Defines "abortion" as the termination of a pregnancy with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, remove a dead unborn child who died as the result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child. Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on a physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor in violation of parental notification requirements. Requires such physician to give 24-hour actual or constructive notice to a parent of the minor seeking an abortion, subject to certain exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2011
Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit, at least annually until January 1, 2021, separate reports to Congress on the operation of the educational assistance program with respect to members of the Armed Forces whose service commenced on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the reports to include information concerning the utilization of benefits, as well as how benefit levels affect recruitment and retention. Repeals reporting requirements concerning the all-volunteer force educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2011
Responsible Electronics Recycling Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) prohibit the export of restricted electronic waste to countries that are not members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) or the European Union (EU), or Liechtenstein; (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and promulgate procedures for identifying certain electronic equipment as well as additional restricted toxic materials contained in such equipment which poses a potential hazard to human health or the environment; and (3) establish criminal penalties for knowingly exporting restricted electronic waste in violation of this Act. Allows certain exceptions to such export ban. Defines "restricted electronic waste" to include electronic equipment (excluding parts of a motor vehicle), such as computers, televisions, printers, copiers, video game systems, telephones, and similar used electronic products, that contain cathode ray tubes, batteries, switches, and other parts containing lead, cadmium, mercury, organic solvents, hexavalent chromium, beryllium, or other toxic ingredients. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require persons who handle restricted electronic wastes to permit appropriate EPA and state officials access to such wastes upon request. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish the Rare Earth Materials Recycling Research Initiative to provide grants for research in the recycling of rare earth materials found in electronic devices.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2011
Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the manufacturer of a prescription drug marketed in interstate commerce to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a discontinuance or interruption in the manufacture of such drug. Requires the notification to be submitted six months prior to the date of a discontinuance or interruption, if possible. Allows the reduction of the notification period if the manufacturer certifies to the Secretary that good cause exists for the reduction. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce the notification period based on the type of discontinuance or interruption at issue or any other factor. Treats any information provided to the Secretary under this Act as a trade secret or confidential information. Establishes civil monetary penalties for violations. Requires the Secretary to publish on the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and distribute to the appropriate health care providers and patient organizations information on discontinuances, interruptions, and drug shortages. Requires the Secretary to notify a manufacturer of: (1) any determination by the Secretary that a drug may be vulnerable to a drug shortage, and (2) the Secretary's duty to collaborate to improve continuity of supply. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a manufacturer to: (1) manufacture a drug in the event of a discontinuance or interruption, or (2) delay or alter a discontinuance or interruption. Declares that no provision of federal law shall be construed to prohibit a manufacturer from, or penalize a manufacturer for, allocating distribution of its products in order to manage an actual or potential drug shortage. Requires the Comptroller General to examine issues related to drug shortages.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2011
Urges the government of Turkey to honor its obligations under international treaties and human rights law and: (1) end all forms of religious discrimination; (2) allow church and lay owners of Christian church properties to organize and administer religious and social activities; and (3) return to their rightful owners all Christian churches, monasteries, schools, hospitals, monuments, relics, and other religious properties, and allow their preservation and reconstruction as necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2011
Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA] ) to transfer annually, without further appropriation, unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to United Service Organizations (USO), Incorporated, for funding its activities in support of USO airport centers. (Currently, such moneys are retained by the TSA for civil aviation security.)
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2011
Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution - Calls upon the President to: (1) ensure that U.S. foreign policy reflects understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the U.S. record relating to the Armenian Genocide; and (2) accurately characterize in the President's annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of U.S. intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2011
Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue as legal tender $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Lions Clubs International. Requires the design of the coins to be emblematic of the centennial. Permits the Secretary to issue such coins only during calendar 2017. Requires sales of the coins to include a surcharge of $10 per coin, to be paid by the Secretary to the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2011
Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Reform and Modernization Act of 2011 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to fully implement and enforce sanctions against Iran, North Korea, and Syria for their proliferation activities and policies. Directs the President to report to Congress identifying any foreign person who: (1) made certain transfers to or acquired from Iran, Syria, or North Korea certain listed nuclear, dual use, missile, chemical, biological, toxic, or nonlisted but otherwise prohibited goods, services, or technology; (2) acquired, mined, or otherwise extracted materials within the territory or control of Iran, North Korea, or Syria for purposes relating to such countries' nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or missile development programs; (3) transferred to Iran, Syria, or North Korea goods, services, or technology that could assist such countries' efforts to extract or mill uranium ore; or (4) provided a vessel, insurance, or any other shipping service for transporting goods to or from Iran, North Korea, or Syria for purposes relating to such countries' nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, or missile development programs. Directs the President to apply the following for at least two years against a person so identified: (1) arms export prohibitions, (2) Executive Order 12938 prohibitions, (3) dual use export prohibitions, (4) investment prohibitions, (5) financing prohibitions, and (6) financial assistance prohibitions. Prohibits U.S. nuclear cooperation agreements and related export licenses and transfers of materials, services and goods with a country that is assisting the nuclear program of Iran, North Korea, or Syria, or is transferring advanced conventional weapons to such countries. Prohibits any U.S. government agency from making extraordinary payments in connection with the International Space Station to the Russian Aviation and Space Agency or any other organization of the government of the Russian Federation unless the President has reported to Congress that: (1) it is Russian policy to oppose the proliferation to or from Iran, North Korea, and Syria of weapons of mass destruction and missile delivery systems; (2) the government of the Russian Federation has demonstrated a commitment to prevent the transfer to or from Iran, North Korea, and Syria of goods, services, and technology that could make a material contribution to Iran's nuclear, biological, chemical weapons, or missile programs; and (3) the Russian Aviation and Space Agency has not, during the one-year period ending on the date of such presidential determination, made transfers that are reportable under this Act to or from Iran, North Korea, or Syria. Directs the Secretary of State to deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to exclude from the United States, an alien listed in a report identifying persons involved in specified weapons proliferation activities with Iran. Prohibits a vessel from landing at any U.S. port to load or unload freight or engage in the trade of goods or services if the vessel knowingly entered a port in Iran, North Korea, or Syria during the 180-day period ending on the date of the vessel's U.S. arrival. Directs the President to apply foreign exchange, banking, property and loan sanctions to any person who provides to or acquires from Iran, North Korea, or Syria goods or technology that is used, or is likely to be used, for military applications. Repeals the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act. States that such repeal shall not affect any existing sanction under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2011
Export Administration Renewal Act of 2011 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 (Act) to: (1) increase criminal penalties for violations of the Act by an individual and by a person other than an individual, (2) increase civil penalties, and (3) revise forfeiture provisions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, when in the public interest, to issue without a hearing an order temporarily denying U.S. export privileges in order to prevent an imminent violation of this Act. States that Congress finds that statutory authority to conduct investigations overseas, as well as undercover authority, is necessary for the DOC's Office of Export Enforcement to combat proliferation activities involving Iran and other hostile state and non-state actors. Amends the Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary and designated Department of Commerce officers and employees to conduct investigations outside of the United States; (2) authorize and set forth provisions for forfeiture and undercover investigations, including funding for the Bureau of Industry and Security. Requires the Secretary to provide Congress with 30-day advance notice of any significant regulations issued pursuant to the Act. Extends the Act through September 30, 2015, with violations and enforcement provisions to remain in effect after such date. Amends the Act and the Arms Export Control Act to revise the certifications required for the recession of a determination that a government of a country is a state sponsor of international terrorism to: (1) extend to 36 months the period that the government has abstained from such acts and (2) require that the government is not a "country of proliferation concern." Retitles the Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress regarding export control vulnerabilities identified by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Amends the Arms Export Control Act to permit generic parts and components for defense articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) not to be considered as defense articles if such parts or components do not have specialized or unique military or intelligence capability or significance. Subjects an item removed from the USML to the same level of export controls as it had prior to removal unless the President: (1) determines that less restrictive controls are appropriate and in the national interest, and (2) complies with certain notice requirements. States that there shall be a presumption of denial of any application for a license or other approval to export to China any item that is removed from the USML and is listed on the Very Sensitive List or Sensitive List of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies. Authorizes the waiver of such prohibition if the President: (1) determines the waiver to be in the national interest, and (2) complies with certain reporting requirements. States that an application for a license or other approval to export any item that is removed from the USML to any country or end-user that is subject to specified U.S. sanctions or to a multilateral arms embargo under the U.N. Security Council shall be denied.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2011
Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement, by October 1, 2011, a centralized and comprehensive policy on reporting and tracking sexual assaults and other safety incidents at each medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including: (1) risk-assessment tools; (2) mandatory security training; (3) physical security precautions (surveillance camera systems and panic alarm systems); (4) criteria and guidance for employees communicating and reporting incidents to specified supervisory personnel, VA law enforcement officials, and the Office of Inspector General; (4) an oversight system within the Veterans Health Administration; (5) procedures for VA law enforcement officials investigating, tracking, and closing reported incidents; and (6) clinical guidance for treating sexual assaults reported over 72 hours after assault. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit an annual report to Congress on such incidents and policy implementation, and (2) prescribe applicable regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2011
Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Investment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual and business taxpayers in certain states a tax credit for 25% of their qualified hurricane and tornado mitigation property expenditures up to $5,000 for any taxable year. Defines such expenditures as expenditures in a dwelling unit to improve the strength of a roof deck attachment, create a secondary water barrier, improve the durability of a roof covering, brace gable-end walls, reinforce the connections between a roof and supporting wall, protect against windborne debris, or protect exterior doors and garages.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011
National Right-to-Work Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to repeal those provisions that permit employers, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that is a union security agreement, to require employees to join a union as a condition of employment (including provisions permitting railroad carriers to require, pursuant to such an agreement, payroll deduction of union dues or fees as a condition of employment).
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011
Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act of 2011 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the government of Cuba, the Cuban Communist Party, or any of their instrumentalities the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. security and other interests, threaten Florida's marine environment and the environment of the submerged lands off Cuba's coast, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that, on or after January 10, 2005, has made or makes an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation, or (2) where a transition government is in place. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has made, on or after January 10, 2005, an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands or has made an investment of any amount of money that contributes to such an enhancement and has trafficked in confiscated U.S. property. Makes it illegal for a U.S. person to facilitate Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually respecting the impact of the development of Cuba's petroleum resources on the environment and natural resources of Cuba's submerged lands and Florida's marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny payment of unemployment compensation to employees who are discharged from employment for: (1) being under the influence of, or consuming or otherwise using, alcohol or any controlled substance while performing services for an employer; (2) possessing any controlled substance on the premises of an employer; (3) refusing a request to take a drug test; or (4) testing positive for illegal use of a controlled substance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2011
Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for social security taxes paid for employee cash tips to employers of cosmetologists. Requires employers of cosmetologists to report income and tips of their cosmetologist employees and to provide income and tip information to self-employed cosmetologists to whom they pay more than $600 in the taxable year. Imposes similar reporting requirements upon individuals who rent chairs to cosmetologists. Requires such employers to provide their cosmetologist employees and self-employed cosmetologists with information on the tax and tip reporting obligations of employees and self-employed individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2011
Refundable Child Tax Credit Eligibility Verification Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require taxpayers to provide their social security number on their tax return in order to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2011
Expresses the sense of Congress that the government of the United Kingdom should enter into negotiations with the government of Greece to facilitate the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2011
Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to deny Iran the ability to support acts of foreign terrorist organizations and develop unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles. Urges the President to initiate diplomatic efforts to expand the multilateral sanctions regime regarding Iran. Directs the President to initiate an investigation into the imposition of sanctions upon receipt of credible information that a person is engaged in a sanctionable activity under this Act. Directs the President to impose specified sanctions on a person who knowingly: (1) makes specified investments with respect to Iran's ability to develop petroleum resources; (2) sells, leases, or provides to Iran goods, services, technology, information, or support that could facilitate Iran's domestic production of refined petroleum products; (3) sells or provides to Iran refined petroleum products, or provides goods, services, technology, information, or support that could contribute to Iran's ability to import refined petroleum products; or (4) exports or otherwise facilitated transshipment to Iran of any goods, services, technology, or other items that would contribute to Iran's ability to acquire or develop chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or acquire or develop destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons. Sets forth exceptions to such sanctions for: (1) the procurement of certain defense articles or services; (2) eligible products to designated countries or instrumentalities; (3) products, technology, or services under contracts entered into before the date on which the President publishes in the Federal Register the name of the person on which the sanctions are to be imposed; (4) spare or component parts, or information and technology that are essential to U.S. products or production, and related servicing and maintenance; or (5) medicines, medical supplies, or other humanitarian items. Defines sanctions to include: (1) prohibitions on Export-Import Bank assistance, (2) prohibitions on loans from U.S. financial institutions and other financial services, (3) prohibitions on foreign exchange and other banking transactions, (4) prohibitions on property transactions, and (5) export and procurement sanctions. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary of State to issue, upon request, an advisory opinion with respect to whether a proposed activity would be sanctionable, and (2) a person to rely in good faith on such opinion and proceed without being subject to sanctions. Imposes sanctions under this Act for at least two years. Authorizes the President to terminate sanctions after one year if the sanctioned person is no longer engaging in a sanctionable activity and the President has received reliable assurances that the person will not knowingly engage in such future activity. Authorizes the President to waive imposition of sanctions if in the national security interest of the United States. States that a determination to impose sanctions under this Act shall not be reviewable in any court. Repeals the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to certain foreign and domestic individuals, organizations, and entities that support democracy in Iran. Imposes visa, property, and financial sanctions on persons identified as officials of the government of Iran, security services, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who were complicit in the commission of serious human rights abuses against citizens of Iran or their family members on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran. Directs the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the promotion of Internet freedom and information access in Iran. Imposes specified sanctions on a person that knowingly assisted in the exportation of petroleum, oil, or natural gas produced by the IRGC or its affiliates. Blocks the U.S. property interests of foreign persons or their affiliates that have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of violence threatening the peace or economic stability of Iraq or Afghanistan. Directs the President to develop a National Strategy to Counter Iran. Amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to require any person owned or controlled by a domestic financial institution to certify that such person is not engaged in corresponding relations or business activity with the IRGC. Requires a report on the Central Bank of Iran's activities to facilitate Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear missile capacities and promote terrorism. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to disclose in their mandatory annual or quarterly reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) whether they or their affiliates have: (1) engaged in certain activities relating to Iran, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; (2) knowingly engaged in specified activities, or knowingly violated certain regulations prescribed under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010; (3) knowingly conducted any transaction or dealing with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked by certain Executive Orders; or (4) knowingly conducted a transaction or dealing with any person listed in the Iranian Transactions Regulations. Requires the President to: (1) initiate an investigation into the possible imposition of sanctions when the SEC receives a report that an issuer or its affiliate has engaged in the cited activities, and (2) determine whether sanctions should be imposed on the issuer or the affiliate concerned. States that, except to meet U.S. international obligations, the Secretary of State shall deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) shall exclude from U.S. entry, a person who is an agent, official, or a representative of the government of Iran; and (2) presents a threat to the United States or is affiliated with terrorist organizations. Restricts the movement of such persons in the United States. Terminates the provisions of this Act when Iran: (1) has dismantled its efforts to develop or acquire nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons; (2) no longer provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (3) poses no threat to U.S. national security, interests, or allies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2011
Reaffirms support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states, a democratic Jewish state of Israel and a democratic Palestinian state living in peace and mutual recognition. States that any Palestinian unity government must forswear terrorism, accept Israel's right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel. Opposes any attempt to establish or seek recognition of a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians. Urges Palestinian leaders to cease efforts at circumventing the negotiation process, including through a unilateral declaration of statehood or by seeking recognition of a Palestinian state from other nations or the United Nations (U.N.). Supports the Administration's opposition to a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Affirms that Palestinian efforts to circumvent direct negotiations will harm U.S.-Palestinian relations and will have implications for U.S. assistance programs for the Palestinians and the Palestinians Authority (PA). Reaffirms the U.S. statutory requirement precluding assistance to a PA that includes Hamas unless that PA and all its ministers accept Israel's right to exist and all prior agreements and understandings with the United States and Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011
Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvements Act of 2011 - Includes within a program of individualized rehabilitation and reintegration plans for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI): (1) the goal of maximizing the individual's independence and quality of life, and (2) improving such veterans' behavioral and mental health functioning. Requires the inclusion of rehabilitative services in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive program of long-term care for veterans' TBI that has residential, community, and home-based components utilizing interdisciplinary treatment teams.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011
Provides criminal penalties against any person who solicits, contracts for, charges, or receives any fee or compensation from a veteran, other than that currently permitted under law, for: (1) advice on how to file a benefits claim; or (2) the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim before the date on which a notice of disagreement is filed in a proceeding on the claim.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011
Lena Horne Recognition Act - Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of Lena Horne in recognition of her achievements and contributions to American culture and the civil rights movement.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011
Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to develop and implement a plan for expedited security screening services for a uniformed Armed Forces member, and accompanying family, traveling on official orders while in uniform through a primary airport.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011
Urges the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) respond to any modification of passenger name record (PNR) data sharing that degrades the ability to identify terrorists with stronger security requirements, (2) not enter into any agreement that would impose European oversight structures on the United States, and (3) oppose any effort by the European Union to frustrate counterterrorism cooperation and information sharing between DHS and non-European countries.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011
Designates the U.S. courthouse under construction at 101 South U.S. Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the "Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse."
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011
Stolen Valor Act of 2011 - Amends the federal criminal code to subject an individual who, with intent to obtain anything of value, knowingly makes a misrepresentiation regarding his or her military service to: (1) a fine, one year's imprisonment, or both if the misrepresentation is that such individual served in a combat zone or in a special operations force or was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; and (2) a fine, six months' imprisonment, or both, in any other case. Provides that: (1) this Act shall not apply to a misrepresentation that an individual did not serve in the Armed Forces, and (2) it is a defense to prosecution that the thing of value is de minimis.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011
Secure Visas Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to grant the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary), except for the Secretary of State's authority with respect to diplomatic- and international organization-related visas, exclusive authority to issue regulations, establish policy, and administer and enforce the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and all other immigration or nationality laws relating to U.S. consular officer visa functions. Authorizes the Secretary to refuse or revoke any visa to an alien or class of aliens if necessary or advisable for U.S. security interests. Provides that any such visa revocation shall become effective immediately and cancel any other visa in an alien's possession. Prohibits any court from: (1) reviewing such a determination, or (2) hearing any claim arising from such revocation. Authorizes the Secretary of State to direct a consular officer to refuse or revoke a visa if necessary or advisable for U.S. foreign policy interests. Prohibits a decision by the Secretary of State to approve a visa from overriding a revocation or refusal determination by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to review on-site all visa applications and supporting documentation before adjudication at visa-issuing posts in Algeria, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel, Jordan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Yemen. Authorizes the Secretary to assign DHS employees to such posts. States that if the Secretary or the Secretary of State revokes a visa: (1) the relevant consular, law enforcement, and terrorist screening databases shall be immediately updated; and (2) look-out notices shall be posted to all DHS port inspectors and Department of State consular officers. Amends INA to eliminate the exception permitting judicial review of a visa revocation where such revocation is the sole ground for a deportation process based upon an alien's unlawful presence in the United States. Prohibits any court from hearing any claim arising from a visa or document revocation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011
American Job Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring certain employers who have a workforce of 50 or more full-time employees to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to increase from $200 to $1,000 the aggregate retail value of articles that may be imported duty-free into the United States by one person on one day. Changes from a maximum of $2,500 to a minimum of $2,500 the threshold aggregate value of a shipment of merchandise for the declaration and entry of which the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to prescribe rules and regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small businesses with gross receipts in the preceding taxable year not exceeding $20 million a work opportunity tax credit for hiring individuals who have been receiving state unemployment compensation for not less than 4 weeks in the 1-year period ending on the hiring date. Increases the amount of wages eligible for such credit from $6,000 to $12,000 for the hiring of individuals in a high unemployment zone (a county that has an unemployment rate exceeding the greater of 4% or the national unemployment rate). Terminates such credit after December 31, 2013.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Combating Dangerous Synthetic Stimulants Act of 2011 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to include as a Schedule I controlled substance any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains 4-methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone) or 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) or their salts, isomers, or salts of isomers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide employers a business tax credit for up to 10% of compensation not paid to their employees who were members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard absent from work to perform active duty. Limits such credit to $2,000 for any one Ready Reserve-National Guard employee per year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011
Honors the members of the Armed Forces who are serving in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn, and members and veterans who have previously so served. Calls on all Americans to reflect on their service and to hold them in a special place of honor now and in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011
Short Sea Shipping Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded at: (1) a port in the U.S. mainland and unloaded at another such port after transport solely by coastal route or river or unloaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System, or (2) such a port in Canada and unloaded at a port in the U.S. mainland. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota, and Nova Scotia, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2011
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 should seek a renunciation from the PRC of any threat or use of force against Taiwan and the region, (3) Taiwan's future should be determined peacefully by its people and free from PRC coercion, and (4) the President should move forward with the sale to Taiwan of new and upgraded F-16s.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2011
Prompt Decision for Qualification of Short Sale Act of 2011 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to consider approved a mortgagor's written request to a mortgage loan servicer for a short sale of a dwelling or residential real property if the mortgagor has not received, within 45 days after the servicer's receipt of the request, a written notification of whether the request has been approved, specified changes are required, or additional information is required. Declares this Act inapplicable to certain residential mortgages entered into before enactment of this Act which explicitly provide a procedure or terms for a short sale approval.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2011
Metropolitan Medical Response System Program Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program that shall assist state and local governments in preparing for and responding to public health and mass casualty incidents resulting from natural disasters, terrorist acts, and other man-made disasters. (Repeals provisions of the Post-Katrina Management Reform Act of 2006 regarding a Metropolitan Medical Response Program.) Authorizes the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to make grants to state and local governments for such purposes. Authorizes the use of grant funds to support the integration of emergency management, health, and medical systems into a coordinated response to mass casualty incidents caused by any hazard. Sets forth eligibility requirements. Directs the Administrator to ensure that each jurisdiction that receives a grant, as a condition of receiving such grant, is actively coordinating its preparedness efforts with surrounding jurisdictions, with the official with primary responsibility for homeland security (other than the governor) of the government of the state in which the jurisdiction is located, and with emergency response providers from all relevant disciplines, to effectively enhance regional preparedness. Requires the Administrator: (1) in coordination with the Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs, and a National Metropolitan Medical Response System Working Group, to issue performance measures that enable objective evaluation of the performance and effective use of funds provided in any jurisdiction; and (2) together with the Assistant Secretary and the Working Group, to conduct a review of the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2011
Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to prohibit an insured credit union from making any member business loan that would result in the total amount of such loans outstanding at that credit union at any one time exceeding either: (1) 1.75 times the actual net worth of the credit union, or (2) 12.25% of the total assets of the credit union. Authorizes the National Credit Union Administration Board to approve an application by an insured credit union to make one or more member business loans that would result in a total amount of such loans outstanding at any one time of up to 27.5 % of the total assets of the credit union, if the credit union meets specified safety and soundness criteria. Prohibits an insured credit union that has made such a member business loan but that is not well capitalized from making any new member business loans until it becomes well capitalized and obtains Board approval. Directs the Board to develop a tiered approval process, including lending standards, under which an insured credit union gradually increases the amount of member business lending in a manner that is consistent with safe and sound operations. Directs the Comptroller General to study the status of member business lending by insured credit unions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/117_rp_fl_12_bilirakis_gus_200.jpg)