United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2010, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010
Recognizes the difficult challenges Black veterans faced when returning home after serving in the Armed Forces, their heroic military sacrifices, and their patriotism in fighting for equal rights and for the dignity of a people and a nation. Recognizes the need for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to continue to work to eliminate any health and benefit disparities for our nation's minority veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2010
Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the "SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office."
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Commends the personnel of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their efforts to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010
Supports the goals and ideals of RV Centennial Celebration Month to recognize and honor 100 years of enjoyment of recreational vehicles in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010
Energy Jobs for Veterans Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a five-year pilot program (to be known as the Veterans Energy-Related Employment Program) to award competitive grants to two states to establish and administer a program of payments to energy industry employers who employ in apprenticeship or on-job training veterans entitled to benefits under the veterans' educational assistance program. Limits such payments to 12 months and $20,000 per veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010
Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the definition of "air pollutant" any of the following solely on the basis of its effect on global climate change: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing activities relating to the inclusion of international indirect land use change in the implementation of the renewable fuel program. Excludes indirect emissions from international land use changes from the definition of lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture (currently, the Administrator) to determine the aggregate quantity of GHG emissions in liefecycyle GHG emissions related to the full fuel lifecycle. Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "renewable biomass" as: (1) materials, pre-commercial thinnings, or invasive species from certain National Forest System land and public lands that are byproducts of preventive treatments that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels, reduce or contain disease or insect infestation, or restore ecosystem health, that would not otherwise be used for higher-value products, and that are harvested in accordance with specified requirements for old-growth forests and large tree retention; or (2) any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from nonfederal land or land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, including specified renewable plant material and waste material.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010
Veterans Pensions Protection Act of 2010 - Excludes from annual income, for purposes of eligibility for pensions for veterans and their surviving spouses and children, reimbursements resulting from: (1) any accident; (2) any theft or loss; (3) any casualty loss; (4) medical expenses resulting from any such accident, theft, or loss; and (5) pain and suffering (including insurance settlement payments and general damages awarded by a court) related to such accident, theft, or loss.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2010
Recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Colorado National Guard (Guard). Recognizes the Guard's valuable, historic, and continued contribution to the citizens of Colorado and the United States. Honors the men and women of the Guard who have given the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2010
INTERPOL Immunities Oversight Act of 2010 - Directs the The President to revoke Executive Order 13524 and amend Executive Order 12425 so as to restore the words removed by Executive Order 13524. (Restores certain limitations on property search, customs duty, and taxation immunities in the United States for the International Criminal Police Organization's [INTERPOL].)
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2009
Requires that a vacancy in the position of Comptroller General be filled only by an individual who: (1) is licensed or certified as a certified public accountant in a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory; (2) has significant management experience, including experience in government service; (3) has significant government auditing and accounting experience; (4) has a post-graduate degree; (5) has a professional accreditation issued by a professional association; and (6) has such other qualifications as the commission established to recommend individuals to the President for appointment to vacancies in the office of Comptroller General or Deputy Comptroller General may establish.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2009
Securing Patriots Access to Convenient and Economic Air Travel Act of 2009 or SPACE-A Travel Act of 2009 - Requires transportation on Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft, on a space-available basis and on the same basis as a spouse of a retired member of the Armed Forces, for: (1) the unremarried surviving spouse of a retired member; (2) the unremarried surviving spouse of a former member who is entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation; and (3) any dependents accompanied by such surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Improvement Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretaries responsibilities for acquisition, construction, and asset management functions. Requires the Secretary to assign one Deputy Assistant Secretary to each of the following: (1) information technology acquisition; (2) acquisition services for the Veterans Benefits Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and the Department headquarters; (3) construction acquisitions and leasing; (4) acquisition services for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); (5) national contracts, including contracts for health care products and services awarded by the National Acquisition Center (other than contracts for information technology); (6) policy; and (7) asset enterprise management and logistics. Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): (1) a Chief Acquisition Officer, with the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Construction, and Asset Management serving as the Chief Acquisition Officer; (2) a Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Construction, and Asset Management; and (3) seven Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Acquisition, with the seven functions listed in the preceding paragraph. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a Department-wide acquisition program under which the Secretary shall develop, implement, and enforce a streamlined approach to entering into contracts and purchasing goods and services. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into personal services contracts for medical specialist services and the sharing of VA health care resources. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to include under the term "competitive procedures" the procedures established by the Secretary for the use of federal supply schedules that are open to all responsible sources and result in the lowest cost alternative to meet the needs of the government. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to provide procedures for soliciting, negotiating, awarding, and administering such supply schedules. Revises VA small business contracting goals. Prohibits the Secretary from including in a database of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans a small business that is the vendor of a commercial item unless the vendor is the manufacturer or regular dealer of the item, unless the Secretary specifically provides a waiver with respect to that vendor. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish specific criteria for verifying the status of each small business proposed to be included in the database; and (2) specify the North American Industry Classification System code or codes of the goods and services that may be procured from each small business so listed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2009
Promoting Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009 - Reinstates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) small business loan program, under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides financial assistance to veterans' small businesses. Qualifies for such assistance any veteran business owner with a disability rated at 10% (under current law, 30%) or more. Removes VA authority to provide such assistance through direct loans, while maintaining authority for loan guaranties. Increases from $200,000 to $500,000 the maximum guaranty amount. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract-out to provide such loans; and (2) subsidize the interest rates paid under such loans. Provides a loan guarantee preference for National Guard and reserve members activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Requires (current law authorizes) a VA contracting officer to award contracts to small businesses owned and controlled by veterans using other than competitive procedures for contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in order to meet VA small business procurement contracting goals. Allows the Secretary to evaluate a contract bid submitted by a small business owned and controlled by veterans on the same basis as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) evaluates a bid submitted by a socially and economically disadvantaged small business. Amends the Small Business Act to extend the period of eligibility for certain small business assistance in the case of small businesses owned by individuals who are called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Increases the amount of the monthly subsistence allowance payable to veterans participating in VA vocational rehabilitation programs. Directs the Secretary to award up to 2,000 internships annually to veterans who have completed a vocational rehabilitation program. Requires the Secretary to pay to a veteran who is unemployed for at least four months, 59 years old or younger, and ineligible for other VA education or training assistance a training assistance allowance for each month the veteran is enrolled in a program of apprenticeship or other on-job training. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a $500 monthly assistance allowance to a rural veteran teacher. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for veterans' workforce investment programs. Directs the Secretary to include on the main VA Internet website a hyperlink with a drop-down menu entitled "Veterans Employment," which shall link to appropriate Internet employment websites.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2009
Thanks the members of the National Guard for their service in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and their continuing role in homeland security and military operations. Supports providing the National Guard with the necessary resources to ensure its readiness. Expresses condolences and gratitude to the families of those members of the National Guard who have lost their lives through their dedication and commitment to the freedom and security of the United States while serving in the National Guard. Honors and supports the compassionate, courageous, and dedicated members of the National Guard who serve a critical role in protecting the United States and its citizens' freedoms and treasured liberties.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2009
Medicare SGR Improvement and Reform Act of 2009 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide an increased annual update for the Sustainable Growth Mechanism (SGR) formula for determining rates in the fee schedule for Medicare physician payments. Sets a three-year time limit for the commencement of a health care lawsuit. Prescribes requirements for: (1) unlimited damages for a claimant's actual economic losses in health care lawsuits; (2) court supervision of arrangements for payment of such damages, including limitation of contingent attorney fees; (3) restrictions on punitive damages; and (4) payment of future damages to claimants in health care suits. Terminates funding of the Medicare Improvement Fund as of January 1, 2010. Amends the Public Health Service Act to prescribe requirements for the licensure of biological products as biosimilar or interchangeable. Includes under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act fees relating to the licensure of a biological product. Amends patent law with respect to biosimilar products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adopt a single set of consensus-based operating rules for each health information transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2009
Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Diabetes Month; and (2) decreasing the prevalence of diabetes, developing better treatments, and working toward an eventual cure for type I and type II diabetes through increased research, treatment, and prevention. Recognizes the importance of early detection of diabetes and awareness of the symptoms of diabetes and risk factors for type II diabetes.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2009
Common Sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act - Requires each state to mitigate the cost of high risk individuals in the state through: (1) a state reinsurance program; or (2) a state high risk pool. Prohibits a health insurance issuer from applying an annual or lifetime aggregate spending cap on any health insurance coverage or plan offered by such issuer. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay awards to states for reducing the premiums in the small group market or the individual market or reducing the percentage of uninsured, nonelderly residents in a state. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to require group health plans that provide dependent coverage of children to continue to treat an individual as a dependent until at least 25 years of age. Prohibits a state from establishing a law that prevents an employer from instituting auto-enrollment for coverage under a group health plan, so long as the participant or beneficiary has the option of declining such coverage. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Revises provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), including to allow the payment of premiums for high deductible health plans from HSA accounts. Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship or the practice of medicine. Repeals provisions establishing the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research. Permits a group health plan to vary premiums and cost-sharing by up to 50% of the benefits based on participation (or lack of participation) in a wellness program. Prohibits funds authorized or appropriated by federal law and funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law from being expended for any abortion. Allows a person to submit an application for licensure of a biological product based on its similarity to a licensed biological product (the reference product).
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow a health insurance issuer to impose a preexisting condition exclusion with respect to individual health insurance coverage only to the extent the issuer may impose such exclusion with respect to group health insurance coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Additional Health Insurance Options for Unemployed Americans Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, with respect to guaranteed availability of individual health insurance coverage for individuals with prior group plan coverage, to eliminate the requirement that such individuals have exhausted benefits under COBRA (health insurance continuation benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) or a similar state program after termination of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2009
Guaranteed Access to Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants to states that adopt a program that provides reinsurance for health insurance coverage or a high risk pool to mitigate the health care costs of high risk individuals in such states. Limits participation in such reinsurance programs or high risk pools to citizens and nationals of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2009
Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to extend through December 31, 2015, specified protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009 - Veterans Small Business Verification Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from including a small business in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-maintained database of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans until the Secretary has verified that: (1) the small business is owned and controlled by veterans; and (2) if the small business owner claims to be a service-disabled veteran, that such person is a veteran with a service-connected disability. Requires (under current law, authorizes) a VA contracting officer to award a contract to a small business owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures, as long as certain standards are met. Extends through 2015 the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow a servicemember to terminate a contract for the following services, without the imposition of early termination fees, if the servicemember is deployed in support of a contingency operation for not less than 90 days or must change permanent stations to a location that does not support such contract: (1) cellular and home telephone; (2) multichannel video programming; (3) Internet; or (4) residential utilities involving the provision of water, electricity, home heating oil, or natural gas. Requires the return of any advance payments made. Prohibits lessors from charging early termination fees with respect to rental or motor vehicle leases entered into by servicemembers who subsequently enter military service or receive orders for a permanent change of station or for deployment in support of a contingency operation. Provides for enforcement by the Attorney General, or a private right of action, with respect to rights provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring coordination of outreach activities between and among specified VA offices and departments. Provides for VA cooperative activities with states with respect to such outreach. Establishes a VA visual impairment and orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program to increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists. Corey Shea Act - Provides VA burial benefits to parents of individuals who died in combat or from a combat-related training injury and are interred in a national cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require all House Committees to post record votes on their web sites within 48 hours of such votes. Exempts record votes taken in executive sessions in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Real Stimulus Act of 2009 - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to: (1) prevent damage to U.S. national security; (2) ensure public safety; or (3) assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the Montford Point Marines, United States Marine Corps, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II. (Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the site for the training of the first African-American Marines.) Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the Montford Point Marines. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2009
Expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the House of Representatives to the people who marched on Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2009, to show their love of liberty and their grievance with recent government actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2009
Considers the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" (Goldstone Report) to be biased and unworthy of further consideration or legitimacy. Supports the Administration's efforts to combat anti-Israel bias at the United Nations (U.N.). Calls on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose endorsement of, and measures stemming from, the Report. Reaffirms support for Israel's right to defend its citizens from violent militant groups and their state sponsors.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 2009
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that any meetings held to determine the final content of sweeping health care legislation be held in public view and not behind closed doors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Medicaid and SCHIP Beneficiary Choice Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP, also known as CHIP) of the Social Security Act to require an SCHIP plan to describe how it will provide for child health assistance with respect to targeted low-income children who have access to coverage under a group health plan. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay to each state with an approved SCHIP plan a certain amount for the payment of premiums for coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that includes coverage of targeted low-income children and benefits supplemental to such coverage. Revises requirements regarding the purchase of employer-sponsored insurance. Prohibits any minimum benefits requirement or any limitation on beneficiary cost-sharing. Declares that, if the basic coverage of such insurance does not extend to each of certain categories of basic services, the plan shall cover such services as supplemental benefits. Prohibits a plan from requiring a targeted low-income child to enroll in family coverage in order to obtain child health assistance. Requires an annual voluntary enrollment period for switching from one plan to another. Requires the offering of alternative coverage options under SCHIP. Prescribes requirements for federal financial participation for qualified alternative coverage. Declares that the requirements imposed under a state child health plan under this Act shall apply in the same manner to a state plan under title XIX (Medicaid), except that: (1) such requirements shall not apply to individuals whose Medicaid eligibility is based on being aged, blind, or disabled or to individuals in certain categories; and (2) the national per capita expenditures shall be determined based on a specified benchmark coverage but without regard to expenditures for such excluded individuals or for nursing facility services and other long-term care (LTC) services. Amends the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 to repeal the prohibition against the Secretary's approval of any new health opportunity account demonstration programs. Converts the Health Opportunity Account demonstration program into a permanent program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Expanded Health Insurance Options Act of 2009 - Authorizes states to enter into arrangements to form interstate compacts under which health insurance issuers would offer coverage meeting the requirements of this Act under a unified regulatory structure governing the issuance, renewal, rating, mandated benefits, and similar items of coverage. Requires each compact to ensure that individuals who are insured in a participating state are able to access an independent external appeals process to review decisions made by health insurance issuers relating to coverage. Makes a participating state in which an insurance issuer is licensed responsible for the enforcement of applicable laws, regulations, agreements, and orders governing health insurance issuers and coverage. Authorizes a participating state in which a covered individual resides to require a health insurance issuer to pay premiums and taxes, submit to an examination of financial condition, and comply with state laws regarding fraud and abuse and unfair claims practices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Improved Employee Access to Health Insurance Act of 2009 - Prohibits any state from establishing a law that prevents an employer from instituting an auto-enrollment process for coverage of a participant or beneficiary under a group health plan, or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan, as long as the participant or beneficiary has the option of declining such coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Permits an employer that does not offer health benefits coverage to its employees as of this Act's enactment to provide tax-free defined contributions and administrative assistance to such employees who choose to purchase health insurance coverage in the individual market. Bars any state from prohibiting: (1) an employer from taking any such actions; or (2) the sale of health insurance coverage to employees where an employer's involvement is limited to withholding premiums from employee paychecks and sending the premium payments to the health insurance issuer on the employees' behalf. Makes federal rules relating to list billing (the sale of individual health plans to an employer's employees) inapplicable to actions described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009
Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee, within 24 hours after commencing a meeting to consider a measure or matter, to cause its text to be made publicly available in an electronic form. Requires a committee chair to do the same with an amendment to such measure or matter within 24 hours after adopting it. Amends Rule XIII (Calendar and Committee Reports) to prohibit a committee report on a measure or matter from including recommended amendments after it was ordered reported, except technical and conforming changes authorized by the committee to correct section numbers, cross-references, punctuation, grammar, spelling, or to maintain mathematical consistency.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009
Recognizes Louisiana HonorAir for its 20 chartered flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial. Honors the invaluable service and dedication of the World War II veterans to our nation. Supports the designation of a Louisiana HonorAir Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009
Recognizes Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (PABI) as the leading cause of death and disability in the United States for children and young adults from birth until 25 years of age. Endorses the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan and encourages its implementation by federal, state, and local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009
Deems as active duty service, for purposes of benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), service of a person entitled to retired pay for nonregular (reserve) service or, but for age, would be so entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009
Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires the Administration to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment; (2) educational assistance; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; (4) veterans' entrepreneurship; and (5) homeless veterans. Establishes as an interagency committee the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Labor-Small Business Administration Joint Executive Committee on Economic Opportunity to recommend to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing of efforts to promote and administer veterans economic opportunity programs for education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, small business, and homelessness, and to oversee implementation of those efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
American Health Care Solutions Act of 2009 - Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to authorize the federal government to ration health care for the American people. Requires each state to mitigate the cost of high risk individuals in the state through: (1) a state reinsurance program; or (2) a state high risk pool. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and governance of individual membership associations (IMAs), which are organizations that offer health benefits coverage to members through health insurance issuer contracts. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for establishment and governance of association health plans (AHPs), which are group health plans whose sponsors are trade, industry, professional, chamber of commerce, or similar business associations and which meet certain ERISA certification requirements. Directs that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with conditions of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a small employer a health benefits plan implementation credit; (2) a tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums; and (3) caregivers a tax credit for family members with long-term care needs. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using data from comparative effectiveness research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. Prohibits employers from being prevented from establishing premium discounts or rebates, or modifying copayments or deductibles, for employees who adhere to or participate in a health promotion or disease prevention (wellness) program that meets certain requirements. Amends title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP) of the Social Security Act to require a CHIP plan to describe how it will provide for child health assistance with respect to targeted low-income children who have access to coverage under a group health plan. Requires alternative coverage options under CHIP. Applies such provisions to Medicaid. Requires verification of U.S. citizenship or nationality for Medicaid. Revises provisions related to health savings accounts (HSAs), including to permit the use of HSAs to purchase health insurance. Sets conditions for lawsuits arising from health care liability claims regarding health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Establishes a statute of limitations and limits noneconomic and punitive damages. Sets forth provisions related to Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. Rescinds unobligated balances of certain discretionary appropriations made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Repeals provisions of such Act providing fiscal assistance to states and setting limits on executive compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
Prohibits anything in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code, or the Public Health Service Act from being interpreted to prevent any health insurance provider from establishing premium discounts or rebates, or modifying copayments or deductibles, for individuals who participate in a health promotion or disease prevention (wellness) program which meets this Act's requirements. States that if none of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, such program shall not violate this Act if participation is made available to all similarly situated individuals with respect to a program: (1) that reimburses the cost for memberships in a fitness center; (2) of diagnostic testing that provides a reward for participation not based on outcomes; (3) that encourages preventive care related to a health condition through the waiver of the copayment or deductible requirement under a health plan for costs related to a health condition (such as prenatal care or well-baby visits); (4) that reimburses individuals for the costs of smoking cessation programs without regard to whether the individual quits smoking; and (5) that rewards individuals for attending a periodic health education seminar. Provides that if any of the conditions for obtaining a premium discount, rebate, or other reward for participation in a wellness program is based on an individual satisfying a standard related to a health status factor, the program shall not violate this Act if specified conditions are met, including that: (1) the reward for the program, together with the reward for other wellness programs regarding the plan that requires satisfaction of a standard related to a health status factor, does not exceed 30% of the cost of employee-only coverage under the plan; (2) the program is reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease; (3) the plan gives individuals eligible for the program the opportunity to qualify for the reward at least annually; and (4) the full reward under the program is made available to all similarly situated individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009
1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the history and memory of the 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009
Declares that the House of Representatives is committed to: (1) promoting and sustaining the spirit of unity shared by members of the United States Submarine Force; (2) paying tribute once again to the seven submariners who were awarded the Medal of Honor, including two who were awarded the medal posthumously; and (3) keeping alive the memory of the Submarine Force veterans so that the American people never forget their courage and sacrifice.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Defund ACORN Act - Prohibits any federal contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other form of agreement from being awarded to, any federal funds in any other form from being provided to, or any federal employee or contractor from promoting any organization that: (1) has been indicted for a violation under any federal or state law governing the financing of a campaign for election for public office or any law governing the administration of such an election, including a voter registration law; (2) had its state corporate charter terminated due to its failure to comply with federal or state lobbying disclosure requirements; (3) has filed a fraudulent form with any federal or state regulatory agency; or (4) employs, has under contract, or retains to act on its behalf any individual who has been indicted for a violation under federal or state law relating to an election for federal or state office. Identifies, specifically, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and any affiliate as such an organization. Requires the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to carry out provisions of this Act relating to contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009
Urges: (1) the President to issue a report clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants he has appointed (commonly referred to as "czars") and to certify to Congress that such czars will not assert powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President's staff; and (2) Congress to hold hearings on such report and certification within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States Postal Service should issue a postage stamp commemorating the War of 1812; and (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Severely Injured Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2009 - Increases rates of the following veterans' benefits: (1) wartime disability compensation for veterans in need of regular aid and attendance or higher levels of care; and (2) the non-service-connected disability pension for veterans of a period of war whose disability is rated permanent and total and who are permanently housebound. Makes disabled veterans with severe burn injuries eligible for automobile and adaptive equipment assistance. Makes veterans who suffer traumatic brain injury eligible for wartime disability compensation. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the rate of the special pension for persons entered on Medal of Honor rolls. Extends to September 30, 2021, provisions concerning the treatment of pension amounts of Medicaid-covered veterans who are receiving nursing facility services.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009
Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to establish minimum funding levels for the Crime Victims Fund for each of FY2010-FY2014.
![Official portrait of Rep. Buyer, Steve [R-IN-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001203_200.jpg)