United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Fair Tax Act of 2011 - Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2011. Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the sales tax rate at 23% in 2013, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. Allows exemptions from the tax for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes, and for state government functions. Sets forth rules relating to: (1) the collection and remittance of the sales tax, and (2) credits and refunds. Allows a monthly sales tax rebate for families meeting certain size and income requirements. Grants states the primary authority for the collection of sales tax revenues and the remittance of such revenues to the Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to: (1) the filing of monthly reports and payments of tax, (2) accounting methods, (3) registration of sellers of goods and services responsible for reporting sales, (4) penalties for noncompliance, and (5) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate sales tax revenues among: (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after FY2015. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer excise taxes not administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. Terminates the sales tax imposed by this Act if the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Redesignates: (1) the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps; and (2) the Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Makes similar redesignations with respect to the Department Under Secretary, the Department Assistant Secretaries, and the General Counsel.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Limits total outlays for any fiscal year to one-fifth of the U.S. economic output, unless two-thirds of each House of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by three-fifths of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider any legislation containing appropriations within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations if such measure also contains appropriations within the jurisdiction of any other subcommittee of that Committee (other than any measure making supplemental appropriations or continuing appropriations for a maximum 60-day period).
United States · United States Congress · 5 January 2011
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2010
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties of the Committee on the Judiciary to offer annual factual training on the Constitution to each House officer and employee. Requires the individuals to certify annually to the Subcommittee that they attended such training.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2010
Amends Rule XXI (Restrictions on Certain Bills) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order to consider any bill or joint resolution, conference report, or amendment unless it contains a statement appropriately citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution as a basis for enacting the law proposed by such measure. Allows a statement of constitutionality to cite the 9th or 10th Amendment to the Constitution to the extent that any measure limits or abolishes any federal activity, spending, or power overall. States that invoking the common defense clause, the general welfare clause, or the necessary and proper clause of section 8 of article I of the Constitution is not sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Rule. Makes it out of order to consider a rule or order waiving the application of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2010
Constitutional Amendment - Authorizes the repeal of any federal law or regulation when the legislatures of two-thirds of the states approve resolutions for this purpose that particularly describe the provisions to be repealed.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2010
Commends Bobby Thomson on his outstanding baseball career and his famous three-run home run in the deciding playoff game for the National League pennant in 1951, known as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Expresses admiration for Thomson's devotion to various charities and nonprofit foundations after his retirement from baseball.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
Tax Relief Certainty Act - Eliminates the terminating date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, thus making the provisions of such Act permanent. Terminates after December 31, 2011, provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increasing tax benefits for adoption. Eliminates the terminating date of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 applicable to provisions reducing tax rates on dividends and capital gains. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) phase-in between 2010 through 2020 increases in the exemption amount for the alternative minimum tax (AMT); and (2) make permanent offsets against the AMT for certain nonrefundable tax credits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2010
Red Flag Program Clarification Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to federal agency (red flag) guidelines regarding identity theft and the users of consumer reports, to define creditor to mean one that regularly and in the ordinary course of business: (1) obtains or uses consumer reports, directly or indirectly, in connection with a credit transaction; (2) furnishes information to certain consumer reporting agencies in connection with a credit transaction; or (3) advances funds to or on behalf of a person, based on the person's obligation to repay the funds or on repayment from specific property pledged by or on the person's behalf. Includes in the definition any other type of creditor as the federal agency (banking agency, National Credit Union Administration, or the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]) having authority over that creditor may determine appropriate, if the creditor offers or maintains accounts subject to a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. Excludes from the definition of creditor, however, any creditor that advances funds on behalf of a person for expenses incidental to a service the creditor provides to that person.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from prohibiting, limiting, or controlling any type of firearm ammunition or fishing tackle based on material composition.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2010
Congratulates the Warner Robins Little League softball team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2010 Little League Softball World Series Championship.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2010
Makes continuing appropriations for FY2011. Appropriates amounts for continuing projects or activities which were conducted in FY2008-FY2010 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in section 101 of division A of P.L. 110-329 (Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009) in specified FY2008 appropriations Acts. Provides that, if the amount provided for a project or activity would be higher than the amount provided in appropriation Acts for FY2010, such project or activity shall be funded at the lower amount. Enacts into law: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011, as reported in the 111th Congress by the Subcommittee on Defense of the House Committee on Appropriations; (2) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2011, as reported in the 111th Congress by the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the House Committee on Appropriations; and (3) the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011, as passed in the 111th Congress by the House. Makes appropriations, funds, and authority granted pursuant to this joint resolution available through FY2011, unless otherwise provided for in the applicable appropriations Act. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date. Prohibits the use of funds made available in this joint resolution: (1) to carry out any program under, promulgate any regulation pursuant to, or defend against any lawsuit challenging any provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, or any amendment made by either Act; or (2) for a congressional earmark.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Calls for: (1) a restoration of American federalism and a decentralization of government power and policymaking from the federal government to states, local communities, neighborhoods, families, and individual citizens; and (2) policy reforms that will allow the states to prove the virtues of federalism and thereby build a new nationwide consensus for decentralizing political power in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2010
Recognizes Springfield Baptist Church as the first African-American church established in Greensboro, Georgia, following the Emancipation Proclamation and as the oldest in Greene County on the occasion of its placement as a permanent marker by the Georgia Historical Society.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia. Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2010
Recognizes the importance of honoring the nation's parents of special needs children. Expresses its sense that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established to honor such parents.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2010
A Roadmap for America's Energy Future - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 to have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior as a final oil and gas leasing program in full compliance with specified environmental law. Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale every 270 days in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning region for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas leases for OCS production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to: (1) modify the OCS leasing program; and (2) direct the Secretary to include, in each 5-Year Program, lease sales proposals offering for oil and gas leasing at least 75% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS Planning Area. Prescribes requirements for coordination with adjacent states regarding pipeline construction for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Prohibits, on either federal OCS or state waters, uses that are incompatible with: (1) oil and gas leasing; or (2) full oil or natural gas exploration and production on geologically prospective tracts. Requires the Secretary to accept, in satisfaction of mitigation requirements, proposals for mitigation measures on a site away from the area impacted by exploration and production activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a leasing program for oil, gas and oil shale within the Alaska Coastal Plain (ANWR). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Allocates to the state of Alaska 50% of federal revenues derived from federal oil and gas leasing operations. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Requires the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to develop, construct, and operate a coal-to-liquids facility. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the limitation on federal agency contracting for procurement and acquisition of alternative fuels with respect to associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to receive certain revenues from oil, gas, and oil shale leases. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to: (1) issue operating permits for 200 new commercial nuclear reactors; (2) continue to review certain license applications to construct the nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain (Nevada); (3) use certain funds to develop, construct, and operate a facility for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; (4) establish a process for licensing facilities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel; and (5) deem that sufficient capacity will be available for spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste disposal. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to promulgate regulations to conduct reverse auctions to award funds from the American-Made Energy Trust Fund to owners or operators of qualified renewable energy facilities to generate electric energy. Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Outer Continental Shelf Oil Spill Prevention to examine and report on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill of 2010.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2010
Declares that no funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and any amendments made by either such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2010
Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to require congressional approval of the designation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a benefit plan as the CLASS Independence Benefit Plan under the CLASS program (a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports). Sets forth procedures for such congressional approval by joint resolution. Prohibits an employer from enrolling an employee in the CLASS program without providing specified notice to the employee, which includes: (1) the significant risk of failure of such a program; (2) information on deficits that the program is expected to run; (3) a statement that there is no separate pool of money set aside to pay the CLASS program benefits; and (4) an explanation of the immediate termination of the program if it is reported to be actuarially unsound. Prohibits premiums from being collected before the Secretary has promulgated the required regulations in final form. Terminates such program if the report by the Board of Trustees of the CLASS Independence Fund indicates that the Fund is projected to be actuarially unsound over the 75-year period beginning with the fiscal year in which such report is submitted. Establishes a refund process.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
End the Lame Duck Act - Considers the House of Representatives to be adjourned sine die if it stands adjourned on the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office during a Congress (beginning with the 110th Congress) pursuant to a concurrent resolution providing for the adjournment of the House. Authorizes the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate, or their respective designees, acting jointly after consultation with the Minority Leaders of both chambers, to notify the Members of the House and Senate to reassemble if they determine that the existence of a national emergency warrants it. Provides for automatic continuing appropriations if a regular appropriation bill for a fiscal year does not become law before the date of the regularly scheduled general election for federal office held during such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2010
Condemns the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its: (1) threats to annihilate the United States and Israel; (2) support of international terrorism; and (3) incitement of genocide of the Israeli people. Supports using all means to persuade the government of Iran to stop building and acquiring nuclear weapons. Reaffirms the U.S. bond with Israel and pledges to work with the government of Israel and the people of Israel to ensure that their nation receives critical economic and military assistance, including missile defense capabilities, needed to address the Iranian threat. Supports Israel's right to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Requires an agency with jurisdiction over federal land, when developing or considering approval of a management plan, to ensure that hunting activities are allowed as a use of such land to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the federal land is managed.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Firearms Microstamping Evaluation and Study Act of 2010 - Directs the Attorney General to enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the cost, feasibility, and benefits of firearms microstamping technology. Requires the Council to consult with federal, state, and local officials, law enforcement officials, entities affected by the actual and proposed uses of microstamping technology, and ballistics experts in carrying out such study. Defines "microstamping technology" to mean the process or technology of etching, engraving or otherwise imprinting on the interior surface or internal working parts of a firearm a microscopic array of alpha numeric characters, bar, gear, or other code or symbol that identifies the make, model, and serial number of the firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service, to mint and issue $5 gold and $1 silver coins emblematic of the 225 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires all such coin sales to include a surcharge of: (1) $35 per $5 coin; and (2) $10 per $1 coin. Requires distribution of the first $5 million to the Director of the United States Marshals Service National Museum, for the preservation, maintenance, and display of artifacts and documents of the U.S. Marshals Service. Requires distribution of: (1) $1 million to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) $1 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in support of the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; (3) $1 million to the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; (4) $500,000 to the William "Bill" Degan Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (5) $500,000 to the Robert D. May Scholarship Fund (provides scholarships for spouses and children of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty); (6) $500,000 to the Community Oriented Policing Service; and (7) $500,000 to the United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 2010
Prohibits the use of federal funds appropriated or made available to the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture to prohibit, limit, or control, based on material composition, the type of firearm ammunition or fishing tackle used on federal lands managed by such Departments, except: (1) if the best scientific evidence available demonstrates that the material composition of the ammunition or fishing tackle is having or is likely to have a substantially detrimental effect on the health of a local fish or wildlife population; or (2) to the extent that a specific regulation is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Property Owners Access to Court Act of 2010 - Amends the federal judicial code to provide that, whenever a district court exercises jurisdiction in civil rights cases in which the operative facts concern the uses of real property, it shall not abstain from exercising such jurisdiction, or relinquish it to a state court, if the party seeking redress does not allege a violation of a state law, right, or privilege, and no parallel proceeding is pending in state court, at the time the action is filed in the district court, that arises out of the same operative facts as the district court proceeding. Declares that in an action in which operative facts concern the uses of real property, the district court shall exercise jurisdiction even if the party seeking redress does not pursue judicial remedies provided by a state or territory. Provides for referral of an unsettled question of state law to the state's highest appellate court. Prohibits the district court from certifying a question of state law unless it is necessary to resolve the merits of the injured party's federal claim, and such question is patently unclear. Declares that any claim or action to redress the deprivation of a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution shall be ripe for adjudication by the district courts upon a final decision rendered by any person acting under color of any law, regulation, custom, or usage of any state or U.S. territory that causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Declares that any claim founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution, but allegedly infringed or taken by the United States, shall be ripe for adjudication upon a final decision rendered by the United States which causes actual and concrete injury to the party seeking redress. Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States and the federal judicial code with respect to certain constitutional property rights claims. Provides for the liability of the United States for certain claims, brought under U.S. district court jurisdiction or Court of Federal Claims jurisdiction, where the claim is founded upon a property right or privilege secured by the Constitution. Requires a federal agency, whenever it takes action limiting the use of private property that may be affected by the amendments made by this Act, to give notice to the owners of that property explaining their rights and the procedures for obtaining any compensation that may be due to them under such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Expresses support for the designation of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Declares that steps should be taken to: (1) raise awareness about prostate cancer screening and treatment; (2) support research so that the screening and treatment of prostate cancer may be improved and the causes of, and a cure for, prostate cancer may be discovered; and (3) improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2010
Celebrates the 130th anniversary of U.S.-Romanian diplomatic relations. Congratulates the Romanian people on their achievements as a great nation. Reaffirms the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2010
Recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2010
Counterterrorism Enhancement and Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2010 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2011. Prohibits: (1) the use of Department of Justice (DOJ) funds to prosecute an individual detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 22, 2009, in a U.S. criminal court; and (2) the President from transferring or releasing an individual currently detained at Guantanamo to any state without the state's consent and the President's certification that the individual does not pose a security risk. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Directs the Secretary of DHS to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism. Expresses the sense of Congress that the House of Representatives and the Senate should fully implement the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States for creating a single, principal point of oversight and review for homeland security by amending House and Senate rules relating to committee jurisdiction. Amends the Rules of the House to direct the Speaker to consider the recommendations of the Commission for consolidating oversight and review of homeland security. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a strategy for gaining effective control of the international borders of the United States within five years. Requires the Secretary, for FY2011-FY2014, to maintain not fewer than 20,000 Border Patrol agents and sufficient support staff. Directs the Secretary, by June 30, 2011, to complete the exit portion of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology system (US-VISIT) required for aliens arriving in or departing from the United States at an airport or seaport. Provides for mandatory detention of aliens apprehended at or between ports of entry. Authorizes the Secretary to establish permanent United States Secret Service international field offices to enhance cybersecurity and the Secret Service's ability to combat cyber crime and counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for FY2011. Requires establishment of an Aviation Security Advisory Committee within TSA. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a timely and fair process for individuals who believe they were delayed or prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft or denied a right, benefit, or privilege because they were wrongly identified as a threat when screened against any terrorist watchlist or database used by TSA; (2) an Office of Appeals and Redress in DHS; and (3) a Surface Transportation Security Inspection Office. Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to require establishment of a Transit Security Advisory Committee in TSA. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of canine teams certified by TSA for passenger rail and public transportation security activities. Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to Truckers Act of 2010 or the SAFE Truckers Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations defining security sensitive materials. Prohibits a commercial motor vehicle operator licensed to operate in Mexico or Canada from operating a commercial motor vehicle transporting a security sensitive material in commerce in the United States until the operator has been subjected to, and not disqualified as a result of, a security background records check by a federal agency. Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for FY2011. Authorizes the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish and operate one or more centers of Maritime Security. Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary to check against available terrorist watchlists those suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at the land, air, and sea borders of the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify, and increase penalties for, alien smuggling offenses. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal Protective Service (FPS) for FY2011. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct facility security assessments; and (2) develop minimum standards for training and annual recertification for FPS's contract guards. Grants the Secretary a right of entry to property for which security is provided by FPS. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct security inspections and verifications for such property; (2) require such properties to undergo unannounced security inspections; and (3) issue a list of items that are prohibited from being brought into FPS-protected facilities unless specifically authorized on a case-by-case basis. Requires the FPS Director to publish: (1) a list of qualified vendors and products that would promote common standards of deployment of personnel and technology; (2) standards for training personnel; and (3) best practices for utilizing items on the qualified products list. Extends the Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Security Program. Directs the Secretary, through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with the Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs, to establish a voluntary chemical security training program and exercise program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office for Bombing Prevention with primary responsibility for enhancing the ability, and coordinating the efforts, of the United States to deter, detect, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States; and (2) develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. Establishes in DHS a Community Preparedness Division whose Director shall have primary responsibility for assisting the efforts of state, local, and tribal governments in preparing U.S. citizens for acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Establishes in the Division: (1) a Citizen Corps Program; (2) a Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (3) a Fire Corps Program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Metropolitan Medical Response System Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology for FY2011. Establishes a Test, Evaluation, and Standards Division. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to prepare a strategic plan for Directorate activities. Directs the Comptroller General to initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program. Directs the Under Secretary to: (1) conduct research and development to enhance the protection of the nation's agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks; and (2) produce risk assessments for biological and chemical threats. Directs the Secretary, through the Under Secretary, to establish a Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program. Authorizes appropriations for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office for FY2011. Establishes the Commission on the Protection of Critical Electric and Electronic Infrastructures. Authorizes appropriations for the Securing the Cities Initiative (using next generation technology to detect the transport of nuclear and radiological material in urban areas). Requires the Secretary to delegate to specified Chief Operating Officers of DHS direct authority over their counterparts in component agencies to ensure that such component agencies adhere to the laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies for which each such Officer is responsible. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) an Acquisition Professional Career Program; and (2) a process for the review of proposed investments by DHS. Directs the Secretary to designate a full-time privacy official within each of specified components of DHS to have primary responsibility for implementing DHS privacy policy in each such component. Provides immunity for certain good faith reports of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior and qualified immunity for response. Directs the Secretary, every three years, to issue a biodefense strategy. Provides for civil liability for disclosure of protected security information. Establishes in DHS a Chief Veterinary Officer who shall have primary responsibility for veterinary issues, food defense, and agriculture security.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act - Makes any state or political subdivision thereof that carries out a public taking for any private purpose in or affecting interstate commerce ineligible for any federal economic development funds for ten fiscal years. Entitles any owner of private property subject to such a taking to injunctive and declaratory relief.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2010
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) state and local governments should only execute the power of eminent domain for the public good; (2) state and local governments must always justly compensate affected individuals in accordance with the Fifth Amendment; (3) eminent domain should never be used to advantage one private party over another; (4) no state or local government should construe Kelo v. City of New London (Kelo) as justification to abuse the power of eminent domain; and (5) Congress reserves the right to address, through legislation, any abuses of eminent domain by state and local governments in light of Kelo .
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2010
Firearms Excise Tax Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require: (1) excise taxes on recreational equipment to be due and payable on the date for filing the return for such taxes (i.e., quarterly); and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to assess and collect, in the same manner as delinquent taxes are assessed and collected, mandatory orders of restitution for victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2010
Firearms Freedom on Federal Lands Act - Prohibits the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior from promulgating or enforcing any regulation or executive order, including presidential declarations authorized by the Antiquities Act of 1906, that prohibit an individual from possessing firearms in any unit administered by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), if such individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing firearms and the possession of such firearms complies with the law of the state in which the unit of the USFS or BLM is located. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of states to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident wildlife or as limiting access for hunting, fishing, trapping, or recreational shooting.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Gulf Coast Jobs Preservation Act - Terminates the moratorium on deepwater drilling set forth in the Minerals Management Service Notice to Lessees No. 2010-N04, dated May 30, 2010, and declares without force or effect any suspension of deepwater drilling operations issued in connection with such moratorium. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) act expeditiously to ensure that deepwater drilling operations are conducted in compliance with federal law; and (2) identify additional measures to ensure the safety of deepwater drilling, based on the most accurate information available about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to the members of the U.S. Army for 235 years of dedicated service. Honors the valor, commitment, and sacrifice that members of the U.S. Army, their families, and Army civilians have displayed throughout the history of the Army.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2010
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of Associated Builders and Contractors. Encourages Associated Builders and Contractors to continue its 60-year commitment to representing the merit shop construction industry.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2010
America Stands with Israel Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States: (1) supports Israel's right to defend itself; (2) supports Israel's naval blockade of Gaza; and (3) should oppose any investigation by the United Nations (U.N.) into the flotilla incident (involving the May 2010 Israeli interception of ships carrying supplies to Gaza). Requires the Secretary of State to direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to cease U.S. participation in and membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Prohibits the Secretary from contributing any funds to the United Nations for an investigation into the flotilla incident. Directs the Secretary to ensure that no U.S. contributions to the United Nations are used for any such investigation, including by withholding from U.S. contributions to the regularly assessed biennial budget of the United Nations amounts equal to any amounts so expended.
![Official portrait of Rep. Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001262_200.jpg)