United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2007
Amends title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to create a new Part D: Promoting Youth Financial Literacy. Allows the Secretary of Education to provide grants to states to: (1) assist local educational agencies and public schools provide financial education programs to students in kindergarten through grade 12; and (2) implement financial education professional development programs for teachers and administrators. Requires a specified amount of the grant funds to be awarded competitively each fiscal year, with the remainder provided to each state on the basis of its share of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to or contract with an institution of higher education or nonprofit organization that has substantial financial education experience to establish and operate a national clearinghouse of instructional materials and information on model financial education programs and best practices. Amends title V of the ESEA to direct the Secretary to set aside 2% of the funds appropriated for the Fund for the Improvement of Education program each fiscal year for financial literacy activities under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation of a congressional gold medal to to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her courageous and unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and democracy in Burma.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2007
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of Everglades National Park. Dedicates the House of Representatives to the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2007
Designates the James A. Haley Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center's spinal cord injury center in Tampa, Florida, as the "Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center."
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Condemns: (1) the kidnappings of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Marc Gonsalves by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and calls for their immediate release; (2) FARC for the murder of Tom Janis and for its use of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and drug trafficking, and for supporting and spreading terror within Colombia. Expresses sympathy to the hostages' relatives. Reiterates that the U.S. government supports efforts to secure the hostages' safe return to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the hanging of nooses for the purpose of intimidation is a horrible, and under certain circumstances, criminal act. Calls for federal investigation of such conduct and vigorous prosecution of any criminal violations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount of the outstanding principal and interest on capital financing bonds for historically Black colleges and universities that may be federally insured.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007
Designates the portion of California State Route 91 located in Los Angeles County, California, from post mile 10.4 to post mile 11.1 as the "Juanita Millender-McDonald Highway."
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007
Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program Moratorium Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to effect a one-year moratorium on the Medicare recovery audit contractor program, under which the Secretary contracts with recovery audit contractors to identify underpayments and overpayments, and recoup overpayments, with respect to all services for which payment is made under part A or B of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires: (1) the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate the program for Congress; and (2) the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the use of recovery audit contractors in the Medicare Integrity program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2007
Honors the life, achievements, and career of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, pioneer in the field of conservation, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the publication of her book, The Everglades: River of Grass.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Repeals specified exceptions to rights of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees to engage in collective bargaining. Requires a final decision of the VA with respect to the review of an adverse personnel action against a VA employee to be issued not later than 60 days after such action has been appealed. Subjects such decision to judicial review in the appropriate U.S. District Court or, if the decision is made by a labor arbitrator, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Declares that House of Representatives has lost confidence in Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and urges the President to request her resignation and to nominate a new candidate more capable of serving as the CPSC head.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Remembers, honors, and commends the achievements of the U.S. Marine Corps in serving and defending the United States on the 232nd anniversary of its creation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2007
Recognizes that: (1) contributing to improving health in developing nations is in the vital interest of the United States as it helps protect the health of the American people, facilitates development among partner nations, and cultivates a positive U.S. image; and (2) investments in health, particularly investments that reach disadvantaged populations, contribute to poverty alleviation. Acknowledges the need to strengthen health care systems to meet essential health needs. Expresses support for U.S. investments in reducing the global burdens of HIV/AIDS and malaria through the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative. Encourages the U.S. government to expand adoption and implementation of policies and programs that alleviate the greatest burden of disease in developing nations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Restitution for the Exonerated Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants, including emergency grants, to nonprofit organizations for programs to provide support services (e.g., employment training, health care services, and legal assistance) to exonerees. Defines "exoneree" as an individual who has been convicted of a crime carrying a prison sentence of one year or more, has served at least six months of such prison sentence, and has been determined to be factually innocent of the crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Mental Health Improvements Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure the provision of specified substance use disorder treatment services at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and community-based outpatient clinic. Requires the Secretary to ensure that treatment for a substance use disorder and a comorbid mental health disorder is provided concurrently by a team of experienced clinicians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program of enhanced care and treatment for veterans with substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and (2) establish at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance use disorders. Requires a report on residential mental health care facilities of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Pays tribute to Justin Bailey. Requires a: (1) pilot program on peer outreach and support services, readjustment counseling services, and other mental health services for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) program of research into comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder; and (3) pilot program on the provision of readjustment and transition assistance to veterans and their families in cooperation with Vet Centers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Prevention Through Affordable Access Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the best price component of the formula for determination of the Medicaid rebate for a covered single source outpatient drug or a covered innovator multiple source outpatient drug. (Under current law, best prices shall not take into account prices that are merely nominal in amount.) Revises the list of entities to which sales by a manufacturer of covered outpatient drugs at nominal prices shall be considered to be sales at a nominal price, or merely nominal in amount (and thus excluded from computation of the best price for such drugs). Adds to such list any entity that is: (1) operated by a health center of an institution of higher education, primarily for its students (university-based clinic); or (2) a public or private nonprofit entity that provides family planning services under the Public Health Service Act (safety-net clinic).
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 2007
Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to a designated state agency for development of universal prekindergaten programs for all children three, four, and five years old in the state. Requires the state to: (1) match federal funds by at least 20%; and (2) submit with its grant application a plan to establish, coordinate, and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program. Authorizes state agencies to set aside up to 5% of a grant for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff of prekindergarten programs that wish to participate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2007
Military Success in Iraq Commemoration Act of 2007 - States that the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (P.L. 107-243) is the basis of authority under which the President launched the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, and that such Resolution authorized the President to use military force against Iraq to defend U.S. national security and to enforce all relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. Encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the United States to observe a national day of celebration commemorating military success in Iraq. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award grants to state and local governments for suitable activities to commemorate such success. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award to each veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom a grant of $5,000 to facilitate the veteran's transition to civilian life.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2007
Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the elimination of duty on certain imported footwear would provide significant benefit to U.S. consumers, particularly lower-income families. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to provide for the duty-free treatment of certain footwear (including children's shoes) made of rubber or plastics that are imported into the United States. Amends the Caribbean Basic Economic Recovery Act to provide footwear imported directly from Haiti into the United States with the same preferential treatment that is provided to certain imported footwear under the Dominican Republic-Central American-United States Free Trade Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Children's Health Month. Reaffirms our nation's commitment to providing access to health care, ensuring preventative care, seeking cures for debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promoting healthy living habits for America's children. Salutes: (1) health care professionals who provide care and treatment for childhood illnesses; and (2) officials who protect children from environmental health and safety risks, and who educate parents, schools, and communities about health risks for children. Encourages states, territories, and possessions of the United States to educate children about healthy living habits when they are young.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007
Shortens the length of the obligated period of active duty service required of certain members of the Armed Forces to receive certain veterans' education benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 2007
Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education Act or the Youth PROMISE Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to establish a PROMISE Advisory Panel to assist the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in: (1) assessing and developing standards and evidence-based practices to prevent juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity; and (2) collecting data in designated geographic areas to assess the needs and existing resources for juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention. Authorizes the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to award grants to local governments and Indian tribes to: (1) plan and assess evidence-based and promising practices for juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity prevention and intervention, especially for at-risk youth; and (2) implement PROMISE plans, developed by local PROMISE Coordinating Councils (PCCs), for coordinating and supporting the delivery of juvenile delinquency and gang prevention and intervention programs in local communities. Establishes a National Center for Proven Practices Research to provide PCCs and the public current research and other information about evidence-based practices related to juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang prevention and intervention. Directs the Administrator to award grants to hire and train law enforcement officers as youth-oriented police to work with PCCs, other community-based organizations, and high-risk youths. Establishes a Center for Youth-Oriented Policing. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize grants for the creation and expansion of state, local, and tribal juvenile witness and victim protection programs. Extends and increases funding for juvenile accountability block grants through FY2013.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
Citizenship and Immigration Backlog Reduction Act - Directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a plan for ensuring that within 18 months of the date of enactment of this Act the National Name Check Program will no longer have any requested name checks from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in backlog status (as defined by this Act). States that beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act the Program is not authorized to have any file in backlog status. Provides that after such date any name check request from USCIS held by the Program for longer than six months shall: (1) be referred to the Secretary who shall adjudicate interim benefits (unless there is reasonable cause to suspect that the applicant poses a threat to national security, otherwise poses a threat to the United States, or has broken U.S. immigration law); and (2) have the name check fee refunded.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007
Condemns the September 2007 attacks on African Union (AU) peacekeepers that occurred in Haskanita, Darfur, Sudan. Expresses condolences and sympathies to the people and governments of Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and Botswana and to the families and friends of those individuals who were killed, injured, or missing in the attacks. Expresses readiness to support efforts to bring to justice those individuals responsible for the attacks and to dismantle the networks that carry out such attacks. Expresses support for the people of Darfur, and encourages all parties involved in the conflict to commit to negotiate a final peace agreement at the peace talks scheduled for October 27, 2007, in Tripoli, Libya.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007
Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 - Provides that, in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired or separated for disability due to a combat-related injury, the Secretary of Defense shall require the continued payment of any bonuses or special pay to which the member: (1) was entitled to immediately before the retirement or separation; and (2) would continue to be entitled to if not retired or separated. Requires such payment in a lump sum within 30 days after such retirement or separation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2007
Calls upon the President to develop within the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a Women and Girls of Darfur Initiative to improve assistance to victims and potential victims of rape and sexual violence in Darfur, Sudan, eastern Chad, and the Central African Republic. Calls upon the Secretary General of the United Nations, the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Arab League, and other nations to take steps to ensure that a fully funded and fully equipped U.N.-AU peacekeeping force (UNAMID) is deployed to Darfur, including an adequate number of female troops and police to properly manage incidents of rape and sexual violence. Calls upon the Security Council to: (1) find the government of Sudan in noncompliance with Security Council Resolution 1325; (2) call on the government of Sudan to provide legal protections to victims of rape and sexual violence and to bring to justice individuals responsible for such crimes; and (3) enforce the arrest warrants for Ahmad Muhammad Harun and Ali Muhammad Al Abd-Al-Raham, and further recognize the systematic rape of women and girls in Darfur as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Vision Preservation Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems. Directs the Secretary to expand and intensify: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities. Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations to enable the Secretary to introduce core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening and examination standards into state programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for vision rehabilitation professional development.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007
Congratulates the people of Ukraine for holding free parliamentary elections on September 30, 2007. Welcomes the strong relationship formed between the United States and Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine's independence in 1991. Expresses support for the Ukrainian people's efforts to build upon the democratic gains of the Orange Revolution by strengthening respect for human rights and the rule of law, including an independent judiciary. Calls for the timely formation of a government that reflects the will of Ukrainian voters and advances political stability and democratic development, with a special focus on the constitutional framework. Pledges continued assistance to the further development of a free and democratic system in Ukraine based on the rule of law, a free market economy, and consolidation of Ukraine's security and sovereignty.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2007
Instructs the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) ensure that the Arecibo Observatory, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is fully funded to continue its research on Earth's ionosphere, its research in radio astronomy, and research on the solar system; and (2) coordinate with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that capabilities of the Arecibo Observatory continue to be available for NASA research in characterizing and mitigating Near Earth Objects, and other research as needed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Recognizes the service of General John Batiste, General Paul Eaton, Army specialist Buddhika Jayamaha, Sergeant Wesley D. Smith, Sergeant Jeremy Roebuck, Sergeant Edward Sandmeier, as well as other members of the Armed Forces serving in good standing in the defense of the United States, and honors the personal sacrifices made by these men and their families, and other members and their families. Recognizes the service and mourns the loss of Sergeant Omar Mora, Staff Sergeant Yance T. Gray, and the 3,784 members who have died in Iraq as of September 27, 2007, and extends sympathies to their families. Recognizes the service and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Jeremy A. Murphy and the more than 24,000 members wounded in Iraq. Rejects commentator Rush Limbaugh's opinion that any of the individuals listed above are "phony soldiers." Condemns the personal attacks made by Rush Limbaugh impugning the integrity and professionalism of any members. Honors all members and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, and their families. Pledges to debate policy decisions regarding the war in Iraq without attacking the integrity of any person, regardless of his or her position on the war.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2007
Honors the 50th anniversary of Althea Gibson's becoming the first African-American to win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Championship at Forest Hills in New York City. Encourages: (1) support of the Althea Gibson Foundation and other organizations that support under-privileged youth in their educational aspirations and athletic pursuits in tennis and golf; and (2) preservation of the memory, legacy, and well-being of pioneer athletes who served as inspirations for succeeding generations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2007
Recognizes the service of all members of the Armed Forces serving in good standing and with honor to defend the United States, and the personal sacrifices made by them and their families. Commits to judge the merits of opinions of such members regarding the policies of the United States, including those related to military actions in Iraq, without prejudice or personal bias, including refraining from unwarranted personal attacks. Condemns the personal attacks made by broadcaster Rush Limbaugh impugning the integrity and professionalism of members who have expressed opinions regarding military actions in Iraq. Honors all members and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, as well as their families. Pledges to debate any supplemental funding request or any policy decisions regarding the war in Iraq with the solemn respect and commitment to integrity that the sacrifices of these members and civilian personnel deserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2007
Declares that the House of Representatives strongly condemns the Ku Klux Klan for its long history of hate and for its most recent expression through the targeting of immigrant groups.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2007 - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to add to airborne hunting offenses a prohibition against any person shooting or attempting to shoot any bird, fish, or other animal before 3:00 a.m. following a day on which the person has traveled by aircraft other than on a regularly scheduled commercial aircraft. Increases the fine for such offenses to not more than $50,000 (currently, $5,000). Prohibits a state from authorizing or undertaking any action otherwise prohibited under such Act for the purpose of increasing any game population or sport hunting. Authorizes a state to shoot predators from an aircraft to prevent a biological emergency, if: (1) the head of the state's fish and wildlife agency determines that such an emergency is imminent and there is no other means available to eliminate the emergency; (2) the shooting is conducted by an officer or employee of such agency or of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); (3) the shooting occurs only in the area where the emergency exists; and (4) the shooting removes only the minimum number of predators necessary to eliminate the emergency. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to authorize an otherwise prohibited action to prevent the extinction of any endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if there is no other means available to address the threat of extinction. Authorizes citizen suits under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2007
Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to increase the maximum amount per individual or corporationof unsecured claims ranked in the fourth (wages, salaries, or commissions) and fifth (employee benefit plan contributions) order of priority. Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals. Ranks in sixth order of priority the diminished value of debtor's equity securities held in a defined contribution plan if the employer or plan sponsor committed fraud regarding the plan. Permits within administrative expenses certain severance pay for termination or layoffs. Prohibits certain senior executive compensation from being disproportionate in light of economic concessions by debtor's nonmanagement workforce. Disallows as an administrative expense specified executive compensation enhancements. Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) insurance benefits for retired employees; and (3) the status of certain employee benefits in a sale of business assets. Allows defined benefit plan participants to file claims for certain shortfalls in pension benefits. Permits inclusion within the necessary costs and expenses of preserving property the mandatory recovery of unpaid obligations owed to employees. Directs the court to consider the extent to which alternative reorganization plans maintain: (1) jobs; (2) defined benefit plans; and (3) retiree health benefits. Prohibits assumption of deferred compensation for the benefit of insiders or senior management if an employee defined benefit plan has been terminated. Limits the recovery of executive compensation if the debtor has reduced its contractual obligations under either a collective bargaining agreement or retiree benefits plan. Excepts from an automatic stay: (1) a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement prior to commencement of bankruptcy; or (2) an award or settlement under such proceeding. Authorizes the bankruptcy trustee to avoid transfers made for the benefit of an insider or certain consultants in anticipation of bankruptcy. Revises prerequisites to court confirmation of a business reorganization plan which continues retiree benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2007
Directs the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor to jointly conduct a study (with annual updates) on employment fields with the greatest need for employees in various geographic areas. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make the study's findings available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2007
Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income) to prohibit the holder of a claim in bankruptcy which is secured by debtor's principal residence from adding fees, costs, or charges while the case is pending, unless such claimholder gives timely notice to both debtor and the bankruptcy trustee. Revises requirements for the discretionary features of a chapter 13 debtor's plan. Removes the prohibition against modification of the rights of a holder of a claim secured only by an interest in real property that is the debtor's principal residence. (Thus allows a plan to modify such rights.) Authorizes a chapter 13 bankruptcy plan to provide for payment of allowed claims secured by the debtor's principal residence over a period that exceeds a specified time frame. Eliminates the pre-petition credit counseling requirement for a chapter 13 debtor facing foreclosure if the debtor submits a certification to the court that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence has initiated foreclosure on that residence. Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that the holder of an allowed claim secured by the debtor's principal residence shall retain the lien securing such claim until the claim is paid. Excludes from final discharge of a debtor from all debts any allowed claim secured by the debtor's principal residence before such claim is paid.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2007
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the 15-year recovery period for purposes of the tax deduction for depreciation of qualified restaurant property. Revises the term "qualified restaurant property" to include existing buildings as well as improvements to buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Honors the accomplishments of Barrington Irving, the youngest pilot and first African-American to fly solo around the world and founder of Experience Aviation, Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires youth and minorities to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Encourages museums throughout the United States related to aviation, including the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum, to commemorate the historic achievements of Captain Barrington Irving.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2007
Calls for the President to grant a pardon, posthumously, to Jack Johnson (the first African-American professional boxer to hold the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World) to expunge from the annals of American criminal justice a racially motivated abuse of the federal government's prosecutorial authority and to recognize his athletic and cultural contributions to society.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression Act - Amends the federal criminal code to define "criminal street gang" and "gang crime" and to prohibit: (1) the commission of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit, a gang crime to further the activities of a criminal street gang; and (2) the recruitment of another person to join a criminal street gang. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to impose criminal penalties for murder and other violent crimes committed in the course of a drug trafficking offense. Increases criminal penalties for possession of firearms by repeat criminal offenders. Prohibits the possession of firearms by individuals convicted of a gang-related misdemeanor or in contempt of a gang injunction order. Authorizes the Attorney General to deny the transfer of a firearm or a firearm permit to individuals who may use firearms for terrorist activities. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) designate certain areas in states as high intensity interstate gang activity areas and provide assistance to such areas; (2) expand the Project Safe Neighborhoods program to require U.S. attorneys to identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal street gangs operating in their districts; (3) expand the Safe Streets Program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to support criminal street gang enforcement teams; and (4) make grants to states to prevent abductions of children by family members. Establishes a grant program in the Office of Justice Programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for crime prevention, research, and intervention services designed for gang members and at-risk youth. Establishes in the U.S. Marshals Service a Short-Term State Witness Protection Section to provide protection for witnesses in state and local trials involving homicide or other violent crimes. Expands the federal witness relocation and protection program to include protection for witnesses against criminal street gangs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants for juvenile offender reintegration projects and for employment programs for young adult gang members to reduce recidivism and promote long-term employability.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2007
Catalyst to Better Diabetes Care Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to: (1) review uptake and utilization of the Medicare diabetes screening benefit; (2) establish an outreach program to identify existing efforts to increase awareness of the diabetes screening benefit among Medicare beneficiaries and providers; and (3) maximize economies of scale, cost-effectiveness, and resource allocation in increasing utilization of the diabetes screening benefit. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory group to examine and recommend best practices of chronic illness employee wellness incentivization and disease management programs. Directs the Secretary to prepare, biennially, a diabetes report card for the nation and for each state. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) promote the education and training of physicians on how to properly complete birth and death certificates and the importance of such data; (2) encourage state adoption of the latest standard revisions of birth and death certificates; and (3) work with states to reengineer their vital statistics systems to provide cost-effective, timely, and vital systems data. Allows the Secretary to promote the addition to death certificates of language to improve the collection of diabetes mortality data. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the impact of diabetes on the practice of medicine in the United Sates and the level of diabetes medical education that should be required prior to licensure, board certification, and board recertification.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2007
Public and Teaching Hospital Preservation Act - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 to extend by one year the moratorium on: (1) implementation of a rule relating to the federal-state financial partnership under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act; and (2) finalization of a Medicaid rule regarding the treatment of graduate medical education (GME).
![Official portrait of Rep. Brown, Corrine [D-FL-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000911_200.jpg)