United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Stop M-Spam Abuse as a Sales industry Habit Act of 2008 or the SMASH Act of 2008 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue regulations to revise the Telemarketing Sales Rule to explicitly prohibit, as an abusive telemarketing act or practice, the sending of any electronic commercial message containing an unsolicited advertisement to a telephone number that is assigned to a commercial mobile service and listed on the FTC's do-not-call registry. Prohibits interpreting anything in this Act to preclude or override the applicability of specified provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 or the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 or rules prescribed under specified provisions of the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
English as the Official Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute. Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes. Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Enforcement Act of 2008 - Amends the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) to make a labor organization liable to any of its members for a civil money penalty of up to $250 for each day that it fails to provide such member information regarding the organization's constitution, bylaws, organization report, and annual financial report, including any books, records, and accounts necessary to verify such reports. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to bring an action in U.S. district court for injunctive relief and enforcement of administrative penalties against any person who has violated or is about to violate any reporting requirements of such Act, including those applying to a labor organization which has or assumes trusteeship over any subordinate labor organization. Requires a district court, upon a complaint by the Secretary that demonstrates failure to file timely and complete reports, to enjoin continued violation of the related reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding a violation of specified reporting and disclosure requirements, to impose an administrative money penalty of up to $250 a day, or $10,000 in aggregate, adjusted for inflation, against the person, labor organization, or employer responsible for such violation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2008
Prohibits the use of federal funds for a project or program named for an individual currently serving as a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or Senator of the U.S. Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Scientific Transformations through Advancing Research (STAR) Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use donations of real and personal property, laboratory and office space, utility services, and infrastructure upgrades to carry out research, development, testing, evaluation, and related activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2008
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the U.S. government must set the highest standards to protect U.S. passport privacy and security; and (2) the Department of State must safeguard U.S. passport security. Directs the Secretary of State: (1) when establishing the requirements for physical and security components of U.S. passports and passport cards, to include only such electronic components as are currently manufactured in the United States, or can be manufactured in the United States; and (2) to ensure that all assembly of U.S. passports occurs only within U.S. borders and personalization of permanent U.S. passports occurs only under the direct supervision of U.S. government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as numismatic items emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the U.S. Army, and its role in American society from the Colonial period to today. Requires the design for such coins to contain motifs that honor specifically the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, consistent with the traditions and heritage of the U.S. Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and the missions and goals of the Army Historical Foundation. Restricts coin issuance to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2011. Requires all surcharges from coin sales to be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Honors the life, achievements, and contributions of Charlton Heston. Extends the deepest sympathies of the House of Representatives to the family of Charlton Heston for his loss.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of: (1) National Health Care Decisions Day; and (2) advance care planning for all adult Americans. Encourages each person over the age of 18 to prepare an advance directive to assist his or her loved ones, health care providers, and others as they honor his or her wishes. Urges members of Congress to execute such documents for themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2008
Recognizes the historic significance of the 60th anniversary of the reestablishment of the State of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and Israel for the past 60 years and commits to strengthening those bonds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Blogger Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to: (1) exempt uncompensated individual Internet activity from treatment as a contribution to or expenditure of a campaign for federal office; and (2) cover blogs and other Internet and electronic publications under the general media exemption pertaining to expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2008
Commends the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles, California, for allowing a rehearing of the decision in the In re Rachel L. case, requiring parents to hold a teaching license in order to legally homeschool their children. Calls upon the court to uphold the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion that parents have a fundamental and constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2008
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make it unlawful for a person to import plastinated human remains into the United States. Imposes civil penalties, including forfeiture of the remains, for violation of such prohibition. Requires enforcement by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2008
Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting any federal agency from entering into a contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel for any mobility-related use, other than for research or testing, unless the contract specifies that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and combustion of the fuel must be less than or equal to such emissions from the equivalent conventional fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2008
Protecting the Second Amendment and Hunting Rights on Federal Lands Act of 2008 - Prohibits any federal regulation from restricting any individual from possessing or carrying a firearm or ammunition, if such restriction is based, in whole or in part, upon the fact that the individual is in a unit of the National Park System or the Wildlife Refuge System. Sets forth provisions with regard to allowing hunting activities on federal lands. Requires an agency with jurisdiction over any 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 · 14 March 2008
Recognizes President Ronald Reagan's vision and efforts to promote peace and security. Commemorates the 25th anniversary of his Strategic Defense Initiative speech.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2008
Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal provisions concerning energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps, rough service lamps, other designated lamps, and incandescent reflector lamps unless the Comptroller General has transmitted to Congress within six months after this Act's enactment a report that finds that: (1) consumers will obtain a net savings, in terms of dollars spent on monthly electric bills and expenses for new light fixtures to accommodate the use of the light bulbs required by such provisions, compared to dollars spent before their enactment; (2) the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs required by such provisions will reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by 20% in the United States by 2025; and (3) such phase-out will not pose any health risks, including risks associated with mercury containment in certain light bulbs, to consumers or the general public, including health risks with respect to hospitals, schools, day care centers, mental health facilities, and nursing homes. Requires the report to include monthly and yearly projections of expenses for electric bills and new light fixtures for January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2017.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of: (1) National Health Care Decisions Day; and (2) advance care planning for all adult Americans. Encourages each person over the age of 18 to prepare an advance directive to assist his or her loved ones, health care providers, and others as they honor his or her wishes. Urges members of Congress to execute such documents for themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of campaigns working to improve long-term public health and well being, including campaigns that work to prevent underage drinking of alcoholic beverages, such as the We Don't Serve Teens Campaign. Encourages Americans to utilize resources that provide a wealth of information beneficial to combating and reducing such underage drinking. Commends the leadership and continuing efforts of all groups working to reduce underage drinking.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2008
Supports the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost. Recognizes that: (1) the overall progress being made on the ground in Iraq is undeniable; (2) much of this progress is due to the skill and valor of the American service member; and (3) the decision by the President and our military leadership to provide a surge of troops to implement a new counterinsurgency strategy was the correct course of action.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2008
Jenny's Law - Prohibits any person classified as a tier III sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act from interment or memorialization in a cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration or in Arlington National Cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2008
Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a multipurpose cadastre of federal real property (an inventory of real property of the federal government) to assist with federal land management, resource conservation, environmental protection, and use of real property. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing agreements with states to include any non-federal lands in a state in such cadastre. Limits the federal share of any such agreement to 50% of the total cost to a state for the development of the cadastre of the non-federal lands in the state. Requires the Secretary to submit a report on: (1) existing real property inventories or any components of any cadastre; (2) consolidation of inventories and components; (3) the use of existing inventories and components of any cadastre; (4) the cost savings that will be achieved; and (4) recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2008
Honors and thanks William F. Buckley, Jr., for all he did to advance a conservative vision for America and a capitalist, democratic vision for the world. Expresses the profound sorrow of the House of Representatives at his death, and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2008
Commemorates the 12th anniversary of the 1996 shooting down by the Cuban regime of two unarmed civilian aircraft flown by the Brothers to the Rescue. Condemns the shooting down of such aircraft and the murders of Armando Alejandre, Jr., Mario de la Pena, Carlos Costa, and Pablo Morales. Recognizes the efforts of those working to bring international attention to this tragedy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 or FISA Amendments Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to authorize the Attorney General (AG) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to jointly authorize, for periods up to one year, the targeting (electronic surveillance) of persons located outside the United States in order to acquire foreign intelligence information, under specified limitations and requirements. Authorizes the AG and DNI to direct an electronic communication service provider to: (1) immediately provide the government with all information, facilities, and assistance necessary to accomplish an acquisition of communications; and (2) maintain under security procedures any records concerning such acquisition. Requires the AG and DNI, at least every six months, to: (1) assess compliance with required targeting and minimization procedures; and (2) submit assessment results to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court) and the congressional intelligence committees. States that FISA and the procedures of chapters 119 (Wire and Electronic Communications Interception and Interception of Oral Communications), 121 (Stored Wire and Electronic Communications and Transactional Records Access), and 206 (Pen Registers and Trap and Trace Devices) of the federal criminal code shall be the exclusive means by which electronic surveillance and the interception of domestic wire, oral, or electronic communications may be conducted. Allows the AG to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if the AG, among other things: (1) determines that an emergency exists; (2) informs a Court judge of such determination; and (3) applies for a Court order authorizing such surveillance. Requires the AG, after authorizing the installation and use of a pen register or trap and trace device on an emergency basis, to apply to the Court for an authorization order within seven days (current law requires 48 hours) after the emergency installation and use. Authorizes the Court to sit en banc when: (1) necessary to secure or maintain uniformity of Court decisions; or (2) the proceeding involves a question of exceptional importance. Authorizes the acquisition of foreign intelligence information in order to prevent the international proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prohibits: (1) civil actions against a communication service provider, or individual other than such a provider, furnishing surveillance assistance requested from an element of the intelligence community; and (2) a state from conducting investigations, imposing sanctions, or commencing or maintaining a civil action or other proceeding against a provider furnishing requested assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a state, city, county, or other political subdivision thereof if the Secretary of Defense determines that such state or political subdivision prohibits or unreasonably restricts, through zoning requirements more restrictive than those imposed on most small businesses in that jurisdiction, the ability of the Armed Forces to establish and operate a military recruiting office. Requires the Secretary to notify the President and Congress of each such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2008
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, with respect to Medicare payments for physicians' services through 2009. Revises the update to the single conversion factor in the formula for determination of such payments to make it: (1) 1% for the period between July 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008; and (2) 1.8% for all of 2009.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Protecting Americans from Violent Crime Act of 2008 - Bars, except as provided under current federal criminal law regarding the possession or the causing to be present of firearms and other dangerous weapons in federal facilities (other than federal court facilities), the promulgation or enforcement of any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing, transporting, or carrying a firearm, including an assembled or functional firearm, in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System if: (1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing, transporting, or carrying the firearm; and (2) the possession, transportation, or carrying of the firearm is in compliance with the law governing possession, transportation, or carrying of firearms in parks of the state in which the unit is located.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2008
Urges national and community organizations, businesses in the private sector, and the media to promote awareness of heat stroke through National Heat Stroke Awareness Month.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2008
Expresses support for the Venezuelan people and their continued democratic self-governance. Calls upon the Chavez government to immediately implement measures to stop Venezuelan territory and weapons from being used as resources by terrorist organizations. Calls upon the United States to examine the extent to which Venezuela may be designated as a terrorist sanctuary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008
Semper Fi Act - Rescinds all amounts appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 for the city of Berkeley, California, or entities in such city. Transfers the rescinded amounts to the Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps account of the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2008, to be used for recruiting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2008
Condemns the City Council of Berkeley, California, for impugning the integrity and professionalism of the Marine Corps. Recommends that any special federal projects funding provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, for Berkeley be rescinded. Recognizes: (1) the service and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and their families; and (2) the efforts of the United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command. Commends the unique and significant role the Marine Corps has played in upholding U.S. freedom and security. Reaffirms a commitment to ensuring that policy disagreements do not compromise the honor and sacrifice of serving military personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Condemns the ongoing Iranian-enabled rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and places responsibility for launching the attacks on Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza. Supports the government of Israel's right to defend its territory. Recognizes the difficult balance Israel faces with the competing pressures of being the primary supplier of numerous necessities for Palestinian civilians, even while rockets are being fired at Israel from Palestinian areas. Supports Palestinian civilians who reject Hamas and all forms of terrorism. Reaffirms the friendship between the governments and the people of Israel and the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Recognizes the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as U.S. Border Patrol agents. Honors Luis Aguilar for his service as a Border Patrol agent and for his sacrifice to the United States, and extends condolences to his family.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2008
Recognizes the leaders and members of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce for their 100 years of dedicated service to the economic development of Augusta, Georgia, and commends their efforts to ensure Augusta's continued competitiveness in domestic and global economies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2008
Honors Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service, and commends him for his dedication and commitment to the Army and his leadership in the post-Katrina recovery effort.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2008
Economic Growth Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the dollar and other limitations on the expensing allowance of depreciable business assets; (2) reduce to 25% the maximum corporate income tax rate; (3) provide for an inflation adjustment to the basis of certain capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss; and (4) reduce from 35 to 15% the alternative capital gains tax rate for corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2008
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, explain the results, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external members and internal organs, if present and viewable. Provides for: (1) civil penalties for willful failure to comply; and (2) a medical emergency exception. Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the physician or the woman if she refuses to look at the images.
United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2008
Fence By Date Certain Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to revise deadline and funding provisions for certain fencing and security project requirements along the southern border.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2008
Supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week and its aim to increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers and promote literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Declares that the House of Representatives will work with the engineering community to make sure that its creativity and contribution can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise the civil penalties for violations of firearms law and the procedures for assessing such penalties. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible firearms violations. Prohibits ATF from disclosing information on firearms purchasers other than to a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor. Permits an owner of a firearms business whose license is expired, surrendered, or revoked 60 days to liquidate inventory. Requires any state agency that stores or keeps explosive materials to report to the Attorney General on the location and amount of such materials. Allows the transfer and possession of machineguns for use by federal security contractors. Prohibits taxes or user fees for background checks under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. 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. Restricts the disclosure of information in the ATF firearms trace system database. Increases penalties for possession of firearms by felons with prior convictions of a crime of violence or a serious drug offense.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Positive Alternatives Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow the use of TANF funds for alternative-to-abortion services, including: (1) information or counseling that promotes childbirth instead of abortion; and (2) other services designed to assist a woman to carry her unborn child to term.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2007
Declares that the Congress rejects and condemns as unjustified and unsupported by law the position of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that English-only employment rules violate title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Calls on the EEOC to suspend enforcement of that position.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007
Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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 agrees to offer 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 Department of Veterans Affairs (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 · 18 December 2007
Expresses the heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims and families of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado. Conveys its gratitude to Jeanne Assam and to the city and county officials, police, fire, sheriff, federal authorities, and emergency medical teams whose quick response saved lives. Reaffirms that New Life Church, Youth With A Mission, and all other communities and organizations of faith should be places of refuge protected from violence and hatred.
![Official portrait of Rep. Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001262_200.jpg)