United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009
Reducing Barack Obama's Unsustainable Deficit Act - Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available in division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Repeals subtitles B (Assistance for Vulnerable Individuals) and C (Economic Recovery Payments to Certain Individuals) of title II (the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act) and titles III (Premium Assistance for COBRA Benefits), IV (Medicare and Medicaid Health Information Technology; Miscellaneous Medicare Provisions), V (State Fiscal Relief), VI (Broadband Communications), and VII (Limits on Executive Compensation) of division B of ARRA. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate upon enactment of this Act (currently, December 31, 2009) the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the program to guarantee troubled assets originated or issued before March 14, 2008, including mortgage-backed securities. Repeals the authorization for a two-year extension of such authority if the Secretary submits a specified certification to Congress. Requires the Secretary, each time a financial institution makes a TARP repayment, to transfer such repayments to the special account established in the Treasury for reducing public debt.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Prohibits making any criminal penalty apply for refusing or willfully neglecting to answer questions (except with respect to the respondent's name and contact information, the date of the response, and the number of people living or staying at the address) in connection with the American Community Survey conducted by the Secretary of Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Urges Members of Congress who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, federal government run health insurance option to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2009
Expresses support for the people of Honduras. Condemns Mr. Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales for his unconstitutional and illegal attempts to alter the Constitution of Honduras. Calls on all parties to seek a peaceful resolution that is both legal and constitutional.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009
Expresses: (1) concern over the threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and related delivery systems in the hands of states that sponsor terrorism, such as Iran; and (2) support for the deployment of U.S. missile defense assets in Europe that will provide a defense of the United States and our European allies from the growing missile threat posed by rogue regimes. Urges the President to expedite the deployment of components of an operational U.S. ground-based missile defense system in Europe. Requests the President to report annually to Congress on steps taken to move forward with such deployment. States that the United States shall continue its support for the missile defense of key allies against attacks by rogue regimes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the excise tax on communication services (i.e., local telephone service, toll telephone service, and teletypewriter exchange service).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Eminent Domain Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the conversion of property by reason of eminent domain.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
Constitutional Amendment - Preserving Capitalism in America Amendment - Prohibits the United States from owning, subscribing to, or otherwise having any interest in the stock or equity of any company, association, or corporation, except for any public authority or any public use corporation, or any investments through any pension funds.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
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 · 19 June 2009
Mobile Mammography Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the motor fuel excise tax fuel used in any highway vehicle designed exclusively to provide mobile mammography services.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009
Supports Israel's right to defend itself in the face of an imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran, terrorist organizations, and the countries that harbor them, notwithstanding some statements made by the Obama Administration. Reaffirms the bond with Israel and pledges to continue to work with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli government, and the people of Israel to ensure that Israel continues to receive critical economic and military assistance. Condemns the government of Iran for its continued support of terrorism and its hateful rhetoric toward Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009
Amends Rule XIII (Calendars and Committee Reports) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to make it out of order in the House to consider a measure or matter until 72 hours (currently, until the third day) (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after its text (and, if any, the text of all accompanying reports) have been made available to Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner (Members), and the general public. Requires the full text of the legislation and each committee report, without further amendment before floor consideration, to be posted continuously by means of the Internet. Prohibits consideration in the House of a general appropriation bill reported by the Committee on Appropriations until 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays unless the House is in session on such a day) after printed hearings of the Committee have been available to Members. Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order proposing a waiver of this resolution or of Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) unless a question of consideration of the rule is adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the Members voting, a quorum being present. Amends Rule XXII (House and Senate Relations) to make it out of order in the House to consider a conference report, the accompanying signed joint explanatory statement, or a motion to dispose of a Senate amendment reported in disagreement by a conference committee until after: (1) the 72-hour availability requirement has been met; and (2) posting on the Internet. Declares that nothing in this resolution or any amendment made by it shall be interpreted to require or permit the declassification or posting on the Internet of classified information in the custody of the House. Requires such classified information to be made available to Members in a timely manner as appropriate under existing laws and rules. Expresses the sense of the House that, with the objective of preventing circumvention of this resolution, that the Committee on Rules should develop standardized policies and procedures to require that proposed amendments (except those offered under an open rule) that are major in size, scope, or cost be posted on the Internet for an appropriate number of hours.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009
Davis-Bacon Repeal Act - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works).
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009
Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) submit a certification to the President for any photograph taken between September 11, 2001, and January 22, 2009, that relates to the treatment of individuals engaged, captured, or detained after September 11, 2001, by the U.S. Armed Forces in operations outside of the United States if the Secretary determines that disclosure of such photograph would endanger U.S. citizens or members of the Armed Forces or U.S. government employees deployed outside the United States; and (2) submit timely notice of such certification to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to submit a renewal of a certification at any time. Provides that a certification or a renewal shall expire after three years. Exempts such a certified photograph from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but does not preclude voluntary disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009
American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2009 - Considers the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 released by the Secretary of the Interior to have been approved as final under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and to be in full compliance with all requirements of applicable laws. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish management of the surface occupancy of the portion of the OCS near the coastline. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Excepts from the operation of provisions concerning the rights of states all of the oil and gas mineral rights for lands beneath the navigable waters that are located within the expanded offshore seaward boundaries. Deems such rights to be federal property and part of the federal OCS for purposes of OCLA. Revises the procedure for determining each state's Adjacent Zone and each OCS Planning Area. Provides a means of voluntary relinquishment of any portion of a geologically prospective lease. Revises procedures for the granting of OCS leases concerning multiple leases for the same tract, payment of receipts, joint bidding restrictions in Alaska, price thresholds applicable to royalty suspension volumes, and a conservation of resources fee for nonproducing leases. Provides schedules for the sharing and allocation of OCS receipts. Prohibits leasing east of the military mission line (86 degrees, 41 minutes West Longitude, and extending south from the coast of Florida to the outer boundary of U.S. territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico). Revises OCS leasing provisions concerning: (1) timing and location under each five-year program; (2) consideration of other laws affecting leasing; (3) suggestions from government entities and other persons; and (4) estimates of resources within a state's Adjacent Zone and projections of receipts expected to be shared with each Adjacent State and its political subdivisions. Provides rules for the approval by a federal agency or a state of a petroleum or natural gas pipeline, respectively. Provides guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact statements. Prohibits uses on the federal OCS or in state waters by federal agencies that are incompatible with oil and gas leasing and substantially full exploration and production of geologically prospective tracts. Authorizes the repurchase and cancellation of certain leases that were subject to litigation in the Court of Federal Claims. Allows environmental mitgation requirements associated with leasing activities to be satisfied at a site away from the area affected. Requires the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters. Allows a lessee of an existing oil and gas lease for an area located completely within 12 nautical miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of 5 years. Repeals the program of coastal impact assistance to producing states and political subdivisions. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of Alaska's Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources, under the terms offered in a specified solicitation of bids. Allows the temporary reduction of royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for the development and production of such resources as necessary to incentivize and encourage their development. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states to hire personnel with expertise relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal agency responsible for refinery authorization to provide nonfinancial assistance to facilitate state consideration of such authorizations. Directs the President to appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations. Instructs the President to designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery. Requires that at least one such site be designated as potentially suitable for construction of a refinery to produce biofuel. Requires the redevelopment authority for each such installation to consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credits for: (1) the purchase of a new qualified alternative fuel vehicle; (2) the cost of qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; and (3) qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles placed in service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of awards to advance the development and application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources, including for innovative gasoline-operated automobile and advanced battery manufacturing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy efficiency tax incentives. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that the associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of government-procured alternative or synthetic fuels not exceed those from equivalent fuel from conventional petroleum sources. Provides for the procurement of coal-to-liquid fuel and loans to facilities that produce such fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various renewable energy tax credits and to include in certain incentives advanced nuclear power and clean-coal equipment. Establishes in the Treasury the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for new reactors. Sets a goal of licensing 100 new reactors, or the megawatt equivalent, by 2030. Requires creation of a uranium supply-disruption mitigation reserve and the convening of a national summit on uranium resources. Establishes policies concerning the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Nuclear Energy Council to advise the Secretary and assist nuclear energy-related investors. Revises NEPA environmental assessment procedures with respect to the consideration of alternative locations or actions for renewable energy projects. Excludes greenhouse gases and climate change from regulation under the Clean Air Act. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the consideration of the impact of greenhouse gases upon species of fish, wildlife, or plants. Sets forth jurisdictional rules and procedures for claims that arise concerning any energy project under a federal lease.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
American Energy Innovation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, including by: (1) allowing accelerated depreciation of cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property, coal-to-liquid plant property, dedicated ethanol distribution lines, solar and fuel cell property, smart electric meters, and certain clean coal power plants; (2) making permanent tax credits for increasing research activities, nonbusiness energy property, gas produced from biomass, and synthetic fuels produced from coal; (3) allowing new tax credits for pollution abatement equipment, the manufacture of natural gas-powered vehicles, nuclear power manufacturing and construction projects, and carbon dioxide capture from industrial sources; (4) extending the income tax credits for the production of electricity from renewable resources, for energy efficient home expenditures, and for the conversion of motor vehicles to natural gas powered vehicles; (5) extending the excise tax credit for alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles; (6) extending the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (7) increasing the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Establishes: (1) a pilot project for leasing federal lands for the development of commercial photovoltaic and concentrating solar power energy systems; (2) an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Innovation Prize; (3) the Office of the Federal Oil and Gas Permit Coordinator; and (4) the Deficit Reduction Trust Fund into which Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) receipts derived from leases of tracts available as a result of this Act shall be deposited. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) exclude from the meaning of "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride; and (2) revise the renewable fuel standard. Repeals: (1) the authorization to withdraw or reissue the "Interagency Cooperation under the Endangered Species Act" rule and the "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Special Rule for Polar Bear"; (2) specified energy efficiency standards for lamps; (3) the prohibition against oil and gas leasing in certain areas of Gulf of Mexico and oil and gas production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (4) the limitation on using funds for implementing a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land; and (5) the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office; and (2) assess the capacity of a storage formation that can retain carbon dioxide. Revises the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Program. Sets forth provisions concerning loans for the construction of coal-to-liquid facilities and technology. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) conduct a natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration program; and (2) audit coal-fired electric generation facilities. Provides for: (1) oil and gas leasing in the OCS, the Atlantic Planning Area, the Pacific Planning Area, the Alaska Planning Area, the Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and the Coastal Plain; (2) the leasing of oil shale resources; and (3) the treatment of revenues received through oil shale or tar sand leases. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands, including the Sadlerochit Spring area, as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection. Requires the DOE Secretary to implement a Nuclear Power 2010 Program and establish a National Nuclear Energy Council. Authorizes the DOE Secretary to use amounts in the Waste Fund to make grants or contracts with private sector entities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5).
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009
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 Retired United States Marshals Service Association. Authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $5 gold coins.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009
Automobile Dealer Economic Rights Restoration Act of 2009 - Prohibits an automobile manufacturer (manufacturer) in which the federal government has an ownership interest, or which receives loans from the federal government, from depriving an automobile dealer (dealer) of its economic rights. Requires the manufacturer to honor those rights as they existed for Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation dealers prior to the commencement of the bankruptcy cases of each corporation, including dealer rights to recourse under state law. Requires the appropriate manufacturer to restore the franchise agreement between the dealers and Chrysler LLC or General Motors that was in effect prior to the commencement of their respective bankruptcy cases, and to take assignment of such agreements. States that nothing in this Act is intended to make null and void the transfer of substantially all the assets of such corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009
Offers the condolences of the House of Representatives to the family of Private William Long (who was shot outside the Army Navy Career Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 1, 2009). Hopes for a full recovery for Private Quinton Ezeagwula (who was wounded in the shooting). Urges swift prosecution to the fullest extent of the law of the perpetrator of this shooting. Urges the American people to join Congress in condemning acts of violence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Young Children's Social Security Number Protection Act of 2009 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security to issue a new Social Security number to a child in cases where confidentality has been compromised by reason of theft of related documentation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a certification to the President for any photograph relating to the treatment of individuals engaged, captured, or detained after September 11, 2001, by the U.S. Armed Forces in operations outside of the United States if the Secretary determines that disclosure of such photograph would endanger U.S. citizens or members of the Armed Forces or U.S. government employees deployed outside the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to submit a renewal of a certification at any time. Provides that a certification or a renewal shall expire five years after submission. Exempts such a certified photograph from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
Directs the Secretary of State, if the government of Cuba is allowed full membership or participation in the Organization of American States (OAS), to withhold assessed and voluntary contributions to the OAS until the President certifies to Congress that there is a government in Cuba that has satisfied certain political, judicial, broadcasting, and labor requirements, and does not include Fidel Castro or Raul Castro.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
CAH Designation Waiver Authority Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to the Medicare rural hospital flexibility program a state may establish. Authorizes state designation of a Medicare critical access hospital (CAH), even if it does not comply with the requirement that it be located more than a 35-mile drive from another hospital, if it is certified by the state on or after enactment of this Act as being a necessary provider of health care services to residents in the area. (Thus restores state authority that existed before January 1, 2006, to waive the 35-mile rule.)
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Expresses support for the Border Patrol's goals and objectives. Congratulates the Border Patrol and its exemplary workforce on 85 years of service to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2009
Honors the brave men and women of the intelligence community (IC), whose tireless and selfless work has protected America from a terrorist attack for the past eight years. Recognizes that such work has thwarted many attacks against the United States and its allies. Expresses great pride in the IC's vigilance in protecting the United States. Acknowledges that the IC has the full faith and confidence of the American people and their elected representatives in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
PROTECT Act or Protecting the Retirement of Our Troops by Ensuring Compensation is Timely Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the military department concerned from presuming deceased a military retiree missing in Iraq or Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, until the earlier of seven years after the person was declared missing or the date the death is confirmed and a death certificate is delivered to the next of kin. Requires monthly retired pay to be resumed and any retired pay that may have been due following the declaration of the presumption of death to be retroactively paid to the family of the retiree.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a $300 plot allowance to a state for spouses and children of certain veterans who are buried in state cemeteries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act - Prohibits, in any case arising out of the administration of laws and benefits by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considering any person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being considered adjudicated as a mental defective for purposes of the right to receive or transport firearms without the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) from authorizing an honor guard to participate in the funeral of any veteran interred in a national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration unless the honor guard offers to the family of each veteran in whose funeral the honor guard chooses to participate the option of having it perform one of the 13-fold flag recitations. Expresses the sense of Congress that 13-fold flag recitations are a historical tradition and that it should be the policy of the VA to authorize honor guards to participate in the funerals of veterans and proactively offer such a recitation to each veteran's family.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Declares that Congress disapproves the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Jury and Marriage Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-70) on May 6, 2009, and transmitted on May 11, 2009, to Congress pursuant to the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that judicial interpretations of the U.S. Constitution should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions unless such judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original meaning of the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009
Recognizes World Hepatitis Day. Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Hepatitis Awareness Month; and (2) raising awareness of the risks and consequences of undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections and the urgency for a robust governmental and public health response to protect the health of those who suffer from chronic viral hepatitis.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009
Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to engrave the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the National Motto of "In God we trust" in the Capitol Visitor Center, in accordance with an engraving plan setting forth the design and location of such engraving which is prepared by the AOC and approved by the House Committee on House Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009
Drug Trafficking Elimination Act of 2009 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase prison terms or impose mandatory minimum prison terms for: (1) manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing certain large amounts of heroin, marihuana, or methamphetamine; (2) importing or exporting such drugs; (3) manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance on federal property; (4) using hazardous substances on federal land in connection with illegal drug activities; (5) possessing a listed chemical with intent to manufacture a controlled substance; (6) committing a crime of violence during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; (7) engaging in a dangerous drug trafficking organization; (8) distributing controlled substances to persons under age 21 or to a pregnant person; (9) distributing controlled substances in or near schools; and (10) employing or involving persons under age 18 in illegal drug activities. Directs the Attorney General to develop a National Drug Trafficking Enforcement Strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date. Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014. Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2009 or the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2009 - States that: (1) state and local law enforcement personnel, in the course of their routine duties, have the inherent authority to investigate, apprehend, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States (including interstate transportation of such aliens to detention centers) in order to assist in the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws; and (2) effective two years after enactment of this Act, a state that has in effect a statute, policy, or practice prohibiting such law enforcement assistance shall not receive certain federal incarceration assistance. Provides for the listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center database. Directs states and localities to provide the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) with specified information about apprehended aliens who are believed to be in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Provides federal reimbursement for related state and local costs. (States that such provision shall not require state or local enforcement officials to provide DHS with information related to a victim of a crime or witness to a criminal offense.) Directs the Secretary to make grants to states and political subdivisions that enforce immigration laws in the course of their routine law enforcement duties for special equipment and facilities related to arresting, detaining, or transporting illegal aliens. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); and (2) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding illegal aliens apprehended by state or local authorities to provide for: (1) federal custody upon state or local request; and (2) state or local compensation for related incarceration and transportation costs. Directs the Attorney General or the Secretary to ensure that the detention of an alien subject to removal is in an adequate state or local prison, detention center, or other comparable facility prior to his or her removal examination. Directs the Secretary to establish immigration-related training for state and local personnel. Provides: (1) personal liability immunity to the same extent as corresponding federal immunity for state or local personnel enforcing immigration laws within the scope of their duties under this Act; and (2) civil rights money damage immunity for state or local agencies enforcing immigration laws unless their personnel violated criminal law in such enforcement. Continues the institutional removal program (IRP), which shall be expanded to all states. Authorizes state or local detention of an illegal alien after completion of such alien's prison sentence for: (1) up to 14 days to facilitate federal transfer; or (2) until transfer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010 and subsequent fiscal years for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP).
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009
Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to: (1) design an educational display to explain the significance of the naming of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center; and (2) place the display in an appropriate location in Emancipation Hall.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to restore Medicare payment for the rent of oxygen and oxygen equipment. Repeals the limitation of Medicare payment to the supplier for such equipment (including portable oxygen equipment) to 36 months of continuous use.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the duties of users of consumer reports taking adverse actions on the basis of information contained in such reports. Excludes any health care practice with 20 or fewer employees from the meaning of creditor subject to Red Flag Guidelines regarding identity theft promulgated by the proper federal financial regulatory agency.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Recognizes the significance and contributions of John Heisman on the development of football. Praises Heisman's efforts in helping to establish the most valuable player award for college football. Acknowledges Heisman's innovative and influential coaching techniques and strategies and his leadership.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009
Condemns the anti-Semitic acts in Venezuela. Expresses: (1) support for all Venezuelan citizens targeted by the Chavez government, including those in the Jewish community; and (2) concern regarding the increased collaboration between the Iranian regime, Hezbollah, and the Venezuela government, and such collaboration's ramifications for Venezuela's Jewish community. Calls on the government of Venezuela to abide by its international obligations and to protect the rights of the Jewish Venezuelan community. Encourages the President and the Secretary of State to reach out to democracy and human rights activists in Venezuela and to assist them in combating anti-Semitism in Venezuela.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Keep Terrorists Out of America Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that individuals currently detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should not be transferred or released into the United States. Prohibits the President from transferring or releasing any such individual into the United States unless 60 days prior to such transfer: (1) the President submits to the governor and legislature of the state to which the President intends to transfer or release such an individual certification that the individual does not pose a security risk to the United States; (2) the governor and state legislature of the state in which the President intends to transfer an individual consent to the transfer; and (3) the President notifies the Congress of, among other things, the name of the individual being transferred, the installation the individual is being transferred to, a justification for the transfer, and a certification that the President has mitigated any risks to national security posed by the transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2009 or SAFE for America Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the diversity immigrant program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. Requires fines to be based upon the nature and severity of the violation, the size of the firearms business involved, and the prior record of the firearm's licensee. Prohibits consideration of the amount of fines or license revocations imposed by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the retention, promotion, or transfer of such agents. Revises the definition of "willfully" for purposes of firearms violations and standards for criminal violations of firearms recordkeeping requirements. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) make preliminary determinations on firearms license applications and notify applicants in writing of a proposed denial; and (2) establish guidelines for ATF inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Allows purchasers of existing firearms businesses the right to cure firearms violations attributable to such businesses. Allows the transfer, possession, and importation of machineguns for industry testing, research and training, national security services, and motion picture or television production. Eliminates the requirement of written permission for the use of a handgun for lawful purposes by a minor (under age 18) where a parent or legal guardian is present at all times during such use. Prohibits the Attorney General from electronically retrieving inactive firearms licensee information by name or personal identification code. Directs the Attorney General to authorize the importation of all frames or receivers of rifles, or barrels for firearms other than handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.
![Official portrait of Rep. Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001262_200.jpg)